In the recently released World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Pakistan finds itself at the bottom of the rankings, ranked 142 out of 146 countries. This ranking sheds light on the gender disparities prevailing in the country and highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to address these issues. In this article, we will delve into the key findings of the report and examine the areas where Pakistan lags behind.
The WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report measures gender parity across four key dimensions: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s performance in each of these dimensions has been disappointing.
Economic Participation and Opportunity
In the sub-indicator of economic participation and opportunities, Pakistan ranks 143rd out of 146 countries. This low ranking reflects the challenges faced by women in accessing and participating in the workforce. The country fares poorly in terms of labor-force participation, wage equality, estimated earned income, and the representation of women in leadership positions.
Educational Attainment
Pakistan’s ranking in the educational attainment dimension is equally disheartening, coming in at 138th place. This reflects the low literacy rates in the country and the inadequate enrollment rates in secondary and tertiary education. Improvements in educational opportunities for girls are crucial for their empowerment and for closing the gender gap in the long run.
Health and Survival
The report ranks Pakistan 132nd in the health and survival dimension, highlighting the existing gender disparities in this area. The sex ratio at birth is imbalanced, with a preference for male children, and women’s healthy life expectancy is relatively low. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring the well-being and equal opportunities for women in Pakistan.
Political Empowerment
Political empowerment is another area where Pakistan lags behind, ranking 95th out of 146 countries. The representation of women in parliament and ministerial positions is limited, and the country has had few female heads of state in its history. Enhancing women’s political participation and representation is crucial for achieving gender equality and inclusive governance.
Factors Contributing to the Low Ranking
Several factors contribute to Pakistan’s low ranking in the Global Gender Gap Report. Cultural norms, social barriers, and traditional gender roles restrict women’s opportunities and limit their access to education, economic opportunities, and political power. Discrimination and gender-based violence further exacerbate the gender gap in the country.
Positive Developments and Areas of Progress
Despite the challenges, there have been some positive developments in Pakistan. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed a 5.1 percentage point improvement in economic participation and opportunities. This progress can be attributed to improvements in wage equality and increased representation of women in technical roles. Moreover, there has been gradual progress in educational attainment, with improving literacy rates and enrollment in secondary and tertiary education.
The Need for Concerted Action
The Global Gender Gap Report emphasizes the urgent need for concerted action to address the gender disparities in Pakistan. Achieving gender parity is not only essential for women’s rights and empowerment but also for the overall progress and development of the country. It requires the collaboration of government, civil society, and the private sector to implement policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, eradicate discrimination, and create equal opportunities for women.
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Pakistan’s low ranking in the WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report is a cause for concern. It reflects the existing gender disparities in the country and highlights the areas where urgent action is needed. By addressing these issues, Pakistan can create a more inclusive and equitable society that benefits not only women but also the entire nation. It is crucial for stakeholders to work together to promote gender equality, eliminate barriers, and empower women to fully participate in all aspects of life. Only then can Pakistan truly progress and thrive as a nation.
