Despite making up almost half of Pakistan’s population, only one in four working-age women are part of the labor force, in contrast to nearly four out of five men. The majority of employed women in Pakistan are in agriculture, with less than 15 percent engaged in formal jobs. In key industrial sectors, women represent a mere 3.6 percent of the workforce, indicating significant exclusion from industrial development.
The disparity in workforce participation between men and women in Pakistan’s industries is concerning. While industries are progressing with new technologies, women are largely left out from these advancements. This exclusion not only raises equity issues but also represents a missed opportunity for economic growth, impacting productivity, innovation, and overall competitiveness.
Structural barriers continue to impede women’s participation in Pakistan’s industrial workforce, including limited access to education and technical training, financial constraints for women-led businesses, and inadequate workplace conditions lacking safety measures, flexibility, childcare facilities, and protection against harassment. Social norms further restrict women’s mobility and discourage economic engagement beyond household activities, leading many towards informal, low-skilled, or home-based work.
The burden of unpaid care work, coupled with broader health and demographic challenges, further restricts women from acquiring skills, entering formal employment, and sustaining work over time. The economic inclusion of women is not just about fairness but is crucial for Pakistan’s industrial progress. Estimates suggest that closing the gender gap in labor force participation could significantly enhance Pakistan’s GDP, with potential gains amounting to billions of dollars.
