The gender gap in Pakistan’s labor market and economic opportunities is attributed to deep-rooted cultural norms, institutional deficiencies, and structural issues, as per a report. Addressing these disparities necessitates various actions such as enhancing labor law enforcement, ensuring access to childcare and safe transportation, promoting digital and financial inclusion, and eradicating discriminatory practices limiting women’s autonomy. Failure to intervene specifically in these areas could perpetuate poverty cycles and hinder Pakistan’s economic progress by marginalizing a significant portion of its population.
The report highlighted that Pakistan’s Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP) rate is one of the lowest globally, reflecting pervasive socio-economic, cultural, and institutional barriers hindering women’s economic empowerment. Despite women constituting nearly half of the population, their representation in the labor force remains notably low, impacting not only individual livelihoods but also the nation’s economic development and human capital potential. Nationally, Pakistan’s FLFP rate for women aged 15 to 64 stands at a mere 22.6%, significantly below global and South Asian averages, with urban centers like Islamabad showing even bleaker statistics.
Urban women in Pakistan encounter additional hurdles such as limited mobility, societal constraints, and inadequate family support, making it challenging for them to enter and sustain employment. The report emphasized that a combination of structural inequalities and entrenched cultural norms perpetuates these disparities, including limited mobility, gendered expectations regarding domestic roles, wage disparities, and restricted access to financial services and lucrative industries, contributing to women’s economic marginalization. Furthermore, apart from economic and political exclusion, Pakistani women also face social and security obstacles, with those in leadership, media, or activism often subjected to gender-based violence, harassment, and character attacks.
