Pakistan’s Alarming Position on Global Gender Equality Index

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s standing on gender equality is among the worst globally, ranking 145th out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2024—just above Sudan.

Despite making up nearly half of the population, women in Pakistan face substantial barriers in the workforce, with only 23% participating in economic activities. Over 40 million women are not part of the labor force, and those who are employed face significant wage disparities. According to the World Bank, women earn 18% less than men, meaning they receive just Rs818 for every Rs1,000 a man earns for the same work.

The agricultural sector reflects an even grimmer reality, with 68% of working women employed there, but 76% of them receive no pay, compared to 24% of men.

Leadership roles also reveal a severe gender gap, with a mere 0.14% of women in managerial positions, while men hold 2.33% of these roles. Educational inequality exacerbates the issue, with low literacy rates and limited access to education for girls.

The WEF report highlights the urgent need for reforms to expand women’s access to economic opportunities and leadership roles, stressing that gender equality is vital for Pakistan’s future progress.