Women’s Empowerment in Pakistan: Challenges and the Path Ahead

Introduction

Men and women are two wheels of progress in any society. No society can progress without the equal participation of men and women in the workforce. Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of Pakistan, emphasized women’s empowerment, considering empowered women more powerful than swords and pens.

Current Situation in Pakistan

Since its inception, Pakistan has taken steps to uplift women socially and economically. However, the condition of women remains concerning. The Global Gender Index Report 2024 ranks Pakistan only above Sudan, highlighting ongoing gender inequality.

International Commitments and Legal Measures

Pakistan has signed several international conventions on women’s rights, including:

• The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
• The International Convention on Civil and Political Rights

Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan ensures gender equality and forbids discrimination. Important laws include:

• Women’s Protection Act, 2006
• Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010
• Anti-Rape Act, 2021 (rapid justice and special courts for rape victims)

Challenges Facing Women in Pakistan

Despite the laws and conventions, ground realities remain grim:

• Pakistan is ranked 143 out of 146 countries in the Gender Gap Index 2024.
• Patriarchal mindset: Male children are preferred in education and jobs.
• School enrollment for girls is just 49%.
• Women constitute only 15% of the workforce (compared to 43% in Bangladesh).
• 93% of women experience workplace harassment.
• Gender parity and empowerment are distant goals.

Pathways to Women’s Empowerment

To realize the $1 trillion economy goal by 2035, Pakistani women must be included in the labor force. Key recommendations include:

1. Education Access:
   • Increase quotas for women in institutes
   • Special focus on rural education
   • Women-only transport like the Pink Bus Initiative should be expanded nationwide
2. Workplace Safety:
   • Strengthen and enforce harassment protection laws
   • Ensure strict and uncompromised implementation
3. Economic Empowerment:
   • Grant small loans to rural women for startups and entrepreneurship
4. Political Participation:
   • Increase reserved seats for women in assemblies
   • Focus on leadership training and workshops
5. Justice Access:
   • Raise women’s involvement in police and judiciary
   • Introduce special courts for gender-based violence victims
6. Digital Inclusion:
   • Improve internet access for women to bridge the digital gap
7. Law Implementation:
   • Laws must be implemented in letter and spirit
   • Culprits should be brought to justice

Conclusion

Despite comprising over 50% of Pakistan’s population, women’s empowerment remains a distant goal. While Pakistan has made notable efforts through international treaties and domestic laws to reduce gender inequality, challenges persist. Patriarchal societal mindsets, limited access to education, and political underrepresentation continue to hinder progress. Bridging the digital gender gap by improving women’s internet access is also critical.

To achieve a prosperous society, Pakistan must implement and enforce gender equality policies effectively and foster social change. Women’s empowerment is not simply a matter of justice, but an essential economic and social imperative.