Pakistan has been ranked second last in the Global Gender Gap Index, reflecting significant disparities between men and women across various sectors.
Pakistan has been ranked 145th out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, placing it just above Sudan.
This marks a decline from its 142nd position in 2023, indicating a widening gender gap in the country.
The report highlights significant disparities in Pakistan, particularly in economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.
Notably, Pakistan’s neighbours, Bangladesh and India, are ranked 99th and 129th, respectively.
In response to these findings, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concern over the country’s low ranking and emphasized the need for immediate action to address gender inequality.
Pakistan’s struggle with gender equality is a complex issue deeply rooted in various societal, economic, and cultural factors. The country’s low ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index reflects significant disparities between men and women across different sectors.
One of the primary challenges is the low labor force participation of women. Only a small percentage of women are engaged in the workforce, which is significantly lower than the global average. This underrepresentation is partly due to cultural norms that discourage women from pursuing careers outside the home. Additionally, women who do work often face wage disparities and limited access to senior managerial positions, further exacerbating economic inequality.
In education, while progress has been made in reducing gender gaps, Pakistan still lags behind in ensuring equal access to education for girls compared to boys. Cultural barriers often discourage women from pursuing higher education, especially in rural areas. This not only affects their personal development but also limits their economic opportunities.
Healthcare access is another area where women face significant challenges. Limited access to healthcare services affects their overall health and survival rates. Cultural norms can restrict women’s access to healthcare, further widening the health gap between men and women.
Politically, women’s representation in government and public service remains low. Despite some improvements, only a small percentage of women hold legislative or managerial positions. Low voter turnout among women, partly due to poor civic education and awareness, contributes to their political disenfranchisement.
At the heart of these challenges is Pakistan’s strongly patriarchal society, which limits women’s opportunities and reinforces gender inequality. Inadequate public transport and cultural barriers restrict women’s mobility and access to opportunities, making it difficult for them to participate fully in economic and social life.
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