Pakistan is struggling with gender equality, ranking 145th out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2024. The only country behind Pakistan is Sudan.
Women make up almost half of Pakistan’s population, yet they remain largely underrepresented in the workforce. Only 23% of women participate in economic activities, leaving over 40 million women outside the labor force. Those who do work face significant wage gaps compared to men.
According to the World Bank, women in Pakistan earn 18% less than men. This means that if a man earns Rs. 1,000, a woman doing the same job will receive only Rs. 818.
The situation is even worse in the agricultural sector, where most working women are employed. Around 68% of employed women work in agriculture, but 76% of them are unpaid, compared to only 24% of men. This shows a huge gender disparity in economic recognition.
Leadership roles also show a clear gender gap. Only 0.14% of women hold managerial positions, while men occupy 2.33% of these roles. This highlights the lack of opportunities for women in decision-making positions.
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Education is another major factor that worsens gender inequality in Pakistan. Low literacy rates and enrollment gaps between boys and girls make it harder for women to compete in the workforce. The WEF report stresses the need for urgent action to bridge this gap.
Experts believe that improving gender equality will help Pakistan progress as a nation. Providing equal economic and leadership opportunities for women is essential for sustainable growth. Addressing wage gaps, increasing women’s participation in the workforce, and ensuring fair pay are critical steps toward achieving gender balance.
Pakistan needs immediate reforms to support women’s empowerment. Without strong measures, the country will continue to lag in gender equality and economic development.
