Disturbing Low-Rank of Pakistan in Global Gender Parity Index 2024-Demands Action

"Parity can come within grasp, but it requires decisive leadership and dedicated resources"

The 2024 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum presents a stark and troubling picture of gender equality in Pakistan. Despite efforts and initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap, Pakistan continues to rank towards the bottom, underscoring the persistent and deep-rooted challenges women face in the country.

Within South Asia, Pakistan's position is particularly concerning. The region as a whole struggle with gender disparities, but some countries have made more progress than others. Here is the ranking of South Asian countries according to the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report:

1. Bangladesh
2. Sri Lanka
3. Nepal
4. India
5. Maldives
6. Bhutan
7. Pakistan

Bangladesh stands out as the top-performing country in South Asia, making notable strides in areas such as political empowerment and economic participation. This highlights the potential for progress in the region, despite the significant challenges that remain.

Pakistan is ranked at the bottom of the South Asian countries and towards the lower end globally, positioned at 145 out of 153 countries. This ranking reflects critical gaps in various dimensions of gender equality.

In comparison to the 2023 report, Pakistan's position has deteriorated, dropping from 143 to 145. This decline indicates that the country has not only failed to make progress but has also seen a relative worsening of gender disparities.

One of the most glaring disparities highlighted in the report is in the realm of economic participation and opportunity. Women in Pakistan are significantly underrepresented in the workforce. According to the report, the female labor force participation rate is only 22.6%, compared to 84.3% for men. Those women who do work often find themselves in low-paying, informal jobs with little to no job security. Wage inequality is rampant, with women earning on average 34% less than their male counterparts for the same roles. Moreover, the glass ceiling effect is pronounced, with only 4.5% of senior leadership positions occupied by women.

Education is a critical area where gender disparity is evident. Although there have been some improvements in girls' access to primary education, the gender gap widens considerably at higher levels of education. Secondary enrollment rates for girls are 40.2%, compared to 50.8% for boys, and tertiary enrollment rates for women are 8.1%, compared to 10.4% for men. Literacy rates for women are significantly lower than for men, with a female literacy rate of 46.5% compared to 71.3% for males. Socio-cultural norms and economic barriers often hinder girls' educational pursuits, leading to high dropout rates, particularly in rural areas.

In the health and survival dimension, Pakistan faces severe challenges. Maternal health remains a critical issue, with a maternal mortality rate of 140 per 100,000 live births, reflecting inadequate access to quality healthcare services. Women in Pakistan face significant health risks, exacerbated by limited access to medical facilities, lack of education about health and hygiene, and socio-cultural barriers that prevent them from seeking timely medical help. The report highlights these critical issues, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements in healthcare access and quality for women.

While there have been some strides in political empowerment, with women holding 20% of the seats in the national parliament, their overall representation remains low. Political participation is constrained by systemic barriers, including socio-cultural attitudes, lack of support structures, and limited opportunities for women to engage in political processes. The report underscores the need for more inclusive policies and initiatives that encourage and support women's participation in politics.

Cultural norms and social barriers are significant impediments to gender equality in Pakistan. Traditional gender roles, patriarchal attitudes, and restrictive societal expectations limit women's opportunities and freedoms. These cultural factors contribute to gender-based violence, restricted mobility, and limited access to resources and opportunities for women. The report highlights the urgent need for societal change, advocating for awareness campaigns, education, and legal reforms to address these deeply ingrained issues.

The 2024 Global Gender Gap Report calls for concerted efforts to address these disparities. It underscores the need for policy interventions that promote gender equality, such as:

1. Economic Empowerment Programs: Initiatives that provide women with skills training, access to finance, and support for entrepreneurship can help increase female labor force participation and economic independence.
2. Educational Reforms: Policies aimed at improving girls' access to education, reducing dropout rates, and promoting STEM education for girls are crucial for closing the educational gender gap.
3. Healthcare Improvements: Ensuring access to quality healthcare services for women, particularly maternal healthcare, and raising awareness about women's health issues are essential steps towards improving health outcomes.
4. Political Inclusion: Creating more opportunities and support structures for women to engage in politics, and implementing quotas for women's representation, can help increase political empowerment.
5. Societal Change: Addressing cultural norms and societal attitudes through education, awareness campaigns, and legal reforms is critical for creating an environment where women can thrive.

In conclusion, Pakistan's position in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to address gender disparities. It is a call to action for policymakers, civil society, and communities to work together to create a more equitable and inclusive society where women have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive. The progress seen in neighboring countries like Bangladesh serves as a reminder that significant improvements are possible with committed efforts and strategic interventions#shiftthepower