The Role of Women in Pakistan's Economic

Development (By Awais Maqbool)

Encouraging greater involvement of women in Pakistan's economy promises better growth.

Women have been an integral part of Men’s life since the inception of mankind but she has
been ignored in the realm of education, health care, and economy. In the 19th century,
women faced numerous limitations. Upon marriage, they were placed under coverture, a
legal concept where the husband and wife become one soul, resulting in the subjugation of
women's rights to their husbands. Consequently, women were barred from owning
property, voting, and had no legal claim to their children. Working outside the home was
discouraged, and when women did work, their wages were only a fraction of what men
earned for comparable roles. Women were viewed as entirely inferior to men, and the
Greek playwright Euripides depicted them as "a curse to mankind" and "a plague worse
than fire or any viper." Such perspectives reflected deeply ingrained gender biases and
discrimination prevalent in historical attitudes toward women, but in today’s world man
can’t make progress without a woman.
Importance of Gender Equality:
Gender Equality has now become the demand of an era. Gender equality is crucial for
economic development as it contributes to the overall well-being and prosperity of
societies. Gender equality is pivotal for providing equal opportunities in education and skill
development, enabling both men and women to contribute fully to the workforce. This
inclusivity not only enhances productivity and economic growth but also fosters innovation
and creativity through diverse perspectives. Economic empowerment of women serves as a
potent tool for poverty reduction, breaking the cycle through improved access to
resources, education, and employment. Gender diversity in workplaces promotes efficiency
and innovation, contributing to long-term economic resilience. Additionally, the link
between gender equality and health and education outcomes highlights its crucial role in
fostering sustained economic development. Recognizing women's economic power and
addressing their specific needs can further drive economic growth by expanding markets
and increasing demand for goods and services. So, the role of women in economy and
development is undeniable. Let’s delve into statistical analysis.
Statistical Analysis of Gender Inequality:
The fact that women are not as involved in Pakistan's economy is a problem for both
fairness and development. If women had the same opportunities as men, Pakistan's
economy could grow by 60% by 2025. Another estimate suggests that if more women
joined the workforce, the economy could get a 30% boost. Globally, women make up about
38.8% of the workforce, but in Pakistan, it's only around 20%, which is one of the lowest
rates in South Asia. Unfortunately, Pakistan performs poorly on various gender-related
measures. According to the Global Gender Gap Index Report 2022, Pakistan is ranked 145th
out of 156 countries for women's economic participation, 135th for women's educational
attainment, 143rd for women's health and survival, and 95th for political empowerment.
The Global Wage Report 2018-19 by the International Labour Organization indicated a
gender pay gap of 34% in Pakistan. Moreover, Pakistan has the largest gender gaps in voter
turn-out among electoral democracies, with men being 20% more likely to vote.

The challenges to women's participation have been extensively discussed and documented.
These challenges include the lack of supportive policies (such as workplace regulations,
maternity leave laws, and access to credit and finance), as well as entrenched patriarchal
mindsets and social norms that limit women's mobility and choices in the workforce. This
includes concerns about mobility, access to transportation, and the burden of unpaid care
and domestic work.
Moreover, In the realm of women's participation in the Pakistani workforce, various
challenges hinder their progress. Limited access to quality education and specialized
training remains a formidable barrier, restricting women from entering certain professions.
Additionally, deeply ingrained cultural and societal biases perpetuate gender disparities,
shaping perceptions of women's roles in the workplace. Overcoming these biases is crucial
for fostering a truly inclusive and equitable work environment.

Moreover, women often grapple with significant work-life balance challenges, juggling
professional responsibilities with domestic duties. Striking a harmonious balance between
career aspirations and family obligations proves to be a persistent struggle. Addressing
these multifaceted challenges is essential to creating an environment that not only
welcomes women into diverse professional spheres but also supports their continuous
growth and success.

If women are provided with equal opportunities as men they can create a great difference.
Women Excelling in Male-Dominated Industries:

People often say there's an invisible barrier holding back women from top jobs in big
companies, but there are some signs that it's starting to crack. Even though there are still
way more male CEOs than female CEOs, the number of women in charge is growing. Here
are the top 05 women CEOs leading big Fortune 500 companies in 2022, ranked by how
much money their companies make, starting with the highest.

1. Karen Lynch - CEO of CVS Health (CVS)

2. Rosalind Brewer - CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA)
3. Gail Boudreaux - CEO of Elevance Health (ELV), formerly Anthem
4. Mary Barra - CEO of General Motors (GM)
5. Carol Tomé - CEO of United Parcel Service (UPS)

This Data shows that women are no less than men if they are equipped with opprotunities.

Women Entrepreneurship: Driving Economic Growth

In the dynamic landscape of women entrepreneurship in Pakistan, a comprehensive

overview by IOL reveals a flourishing ecosystem of women-owned businesses. These
businesses come from different types of industries, showing how women entrepreneurs,
whether in technology or more traditional fields, are making a big impact and helping the
economy grow. Programmes by We-Fi (Women Entrepreneurs Finance initiative) are also
encouraging women to drive the socio-economic landscape of Pakistan. The World Bank,
with partners Village Capital and Invest2Innovate (i2i), launched a program in Pakistan. This
initiative trained 16 Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in June, with 18 more
planned for July. The aim is to enhance ESOs' capacity to prepare women entrepreneurs for
investment. Additionally, they are running bootcamps for 300 women entrepreneurs. The
first cohort of 22 female entrepreneurs graduated in June. The goal is to fill a critical gap,
fostering early-stage investment in women's businesses in Pakistan. The impact of
women-led businesses extends beyond individual success stories, influencing local
economies on a broader scale. By fostering diversity in business leadership, these
enterprises bring fresh perspectives, drive innovation, and contribute to job creation.
Furthermore, women entrepreneurs often prioritize community development, initiating
projects that address societal challenges and elevate the overall quality of life.

As we delve into the realm of women entrepreneurship, it becomes evident that

empowering women economically not only transforms individual lives but also acts as a
catalyst for broader economic growth and sustainable development. Through a lens of
inclusivity, the impact of women-led businesses ripples through communities, leaving a
lasting imprint on the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.

Conclusion:
To sum up, looking at women's entrepreneurship in Pakistan shows us a story of strength,
creativity, and economic impact. Women in various fields are making significant
contributions, but challenges like bias and systemic obstacles still exist. We urgently need
ongoing efforts from governments, businesses, and communities to remove these barriers,
ensure fair access, and create an environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.
It's a call for action. Everyone needs to actively create opportunities, eliminate differences,
and support policies that help women entrepreneurs. This isn't just about empowering
individual women; it's about building a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous economy
for all of Pakistan.
To make up the real economy in Pakistan, both traditional and emerging barriers must be
systematically addressed. Despite 13.5 million women (20%) in the labor force, cultural
expectations, income gaps, limited mobility, and unpaid care work persist. Recognizing and
valuing women's contributions, ensuring financial independence, and challenging cultural
norms are essential steps towards gender equality and economic empowerment.
In the bigger picture of economic development, women's entrepreneurship isn't just a part
of the story; it's a narrative that shapes the future of nations. Let's work together so that
women entrepreneurs not only succeed but also lead, making a lasting impact on Pakistan's
economic story.