Participation Gaps
Women represent almost half of Pakistan’s population, but the formal economy is still extremely low. In rural areas, 28% of women are engaged in an economic activity, versus 69% of men; in urban areas, the gap is even larger, with 10% of women working against 66% of men. These numbers illustrate the structural inequality that still exists that prevents women’s economic visibility.
Nature of Work
Most women in Pakistan work in agriculture, or domestic and home based work, adding to the economy façelessly, unpaid and unnoticed. Very few women manage to engage in a formal work place, thus materially lacking when it comes to assurance of pay, benefits or growth.
Barriers
There are multiple reasons for women’s disconnection: inconvenient childcare; harassment in the workplace; bad public transportation; and the very notion that a family member will not permit or allow them to do so. Approximately 85% of women report that harassment and unsafe transportation are the main reasons why they can’t join or remain in the workforce.
Need for Change
Evidence indicates that countries improve their GDP by as much as 30% for countries with higher participatory labor for women. In Pakistan, economic empowerment and inclusion for women is not only a right, but also a need and necessity to promote economic growth and national development. If we ensure safe and accessible transportation, affordable child care, strong labor rights and change the gender norm, we could engage millions and access untold potential.
Why it matters
When women can visibly work and feel safe doing so, economies grow stronger, families are more resilient, and communities thrive in an inclusive local economy. Exclusion from the workforce risks not only are society, it is denigrating the growth and prosperity of Pakistan.
