Pakistan is grappling with a critical challenge: it ranks 145th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024. This isn't just a social issue; it's a formidable barrier to the nation's economic and social progress. Bridging the gender gap is not only achievable but essential for a prosperous Pakistan. That’s why it is core to the World Bank Group’s (WBG) 10-Year Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan. Let's explore five pivotal areas where investing in gender equality can unlock the country’s development potential.
1. Healthy Mothers, Healthy Nation: Tackling Stunting Through Empowerment
Child stunting rates in Pakistan are alarmingly high, exceeding 40 percent in many regions.[1] This issue goes beyond nutrition—it's about empowering women. Healthier mothers raise healthier children, paving the way for a more productive future workforce. The WBG is supporting initiatives like enhanced healthcare, access to clean water, family planning education, and targeted campaigns focusing on women and girls, which are crucial steps in addressing this challenge.
2. Educating Girls: Investing in Pakistan's Future
Photo credit: The World Bank
Figure 1. While boys and girls both face learning poverty, girls often have a harder time staying in school, especially when moving from primary to secondary education.
A staggering 1 in 3 school-age children in Pakistan are not attending school, with girls disproportionately affected. Safety concerns, long distances, inadequate sanitation, and a shortage of female teachers are just a few of the barriers girls face. The WBG is providing scholarships, safe transportation, improved school facilities, and leveraging digital learning solutions to ensure girls receive the education they deserve, contributing to long-term growth.
3. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Empowering Women Farmers
Photo credit: The World Bank
Figure 2. Women in Pakistan face extra challenges from climate impacts, especially in farming where they make up majority of the workforce
Women constitute a significant portion of Pakistan's agricultural workforce (68 percent) yet they earn considerably less than men (63 percent). Climate change exacerbates this inequality, disproportionately impacting women's livelihoods. The WBG is helping to empower women farmers through training, securing land rights, connecting them to markets, and investing in climate-smart agriculture, significantly boosting productivity and household income. Building resilient infrastructure and social safety nets further protects vulnerable communities.
4. Breathing Easier: Clean Air Initiatives for Women's Health
Photo credit: The World Bank
Figure 3. Less than half of households in Pakistan use clean cooking fuels, which means many women are exposed to harmful indoor air pollution.
Indoor air pollution from cooking fuels affects millions of Pakistani women, leading to respiratory illnesses and lost productivity. Providing cleaner cooking options is not only a health imperative, it is also a crucial step towards gender equality. WBG-supported clean air-initiatives encourage women's participation in sectors like the electric-bus industry through targeted training and leadership opportunities to create new avenues for women’s economic empowerment.
5. Financial Inclusion: Empowering Women Through Economic Participation
Millions of Pakistani women lack access to banking services and mobile technology, limiting their economic participation. Despite progress, around 55 million women in Pakistan still lack access to banking services. Only 5 in 10 women own a mobile phone and only 3 in 10 use mobile internet. The WBG is helping to strengthen digital payment systems, expand mobile connectivity, and leverage existing cash transfer programs like the Benazir Income Support Program to empower women to manage their finances, support their businesses, and reduce household poverty. This increased financial independence is a cornerstone of gender equality.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV): A Critical Component
Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence and sexual harassment, is a pervasive issue that undermines all efforts towards gender equality. According to statistics, 28 percent of women in Pakistan are affected by intimate partner violence, slightly above the global average. Sexual harassment in public spaces is also alarmingly high with 80 percent of women in Karachi, 32 percent in Peshawar, and 27 percent in Quetta reporting incidents of harassment. Workplace harassment rates in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are nearly three times higher for women than men. The WBG supports the integration of GBV prevention and response measures in various sectors, from education to agriculture. Improving referral and case management systems and promoting cultural shifts are crucial steps towards creating a safer and more equitable society.
The Path Forward
The challenges are significant, but the potential rewards are even greater. By investing in women, Pakistan invests in stronger families, more resilient communities, and a thriving economy. With the right policies, targeted investments, and a collective commitment, Pakistan can unlock the full potential of its women and build a brighter future for all.
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