Empowering Women in Pakistan’s Workforce: A Look at the Current State of Affairs
According to Pakistan Vision 2025, women were expected to represent 45 percent of the country’s workforce by 2025. Unfortunately, as the deadline approaches, it is evident that we have fallen short of this target, with numbers significantly below the global average. The National Commission on the Status of Women reports that 70 percent of working women in Pakistan are in vulnerable jobs, marked by low earnings, unsafe conditions, and job insecurity. This disparity underscores the challenges faced by women trying to enter the formal economy, hindering the country’s Vision 2025 goals.
While some positive changes have been seen in Pakistan’s corporate sector with more access to better jobs for women, significant variations in work environments persist. The need for legislative intervention to level the playing field is critical to addressing practical barriers that bar women from the workforce.
Lawmakers have an opportunity to empower women by easing tax burdens on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that could encourage female-led businesses. By developing public-private partnerships and incorporating a gender perspective in resource provision, policymakers can bridge the gap between formal businesses and women in the informal sector.
It’s imperative to take urgent and thoughtful action to break the cycle of disempowerment and achieve social mobility in Pakistan. By fostering a dynamic and inclusive economy through gender-sensitive policies and collaborative initiatives, we can pave the way for a more equal and prosperous future for all.
Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, October 7th, 2024
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