A damning international report positions Pakistan at the very bottom for female participation in management, where women hold under 8 percent of such roles. This statistic underscores a persistent gender chasm threatening national progress.
Breaking it down, industries like manufacturing and textiles—key to Pakistan’s economy—show the steepest declines, with women often relegated to low-skill labor. Tech and services sectors offer some hope, yet overall trends are downward. Post-COVID recovery has widened gaps, as remote work benefits elude many women without tech access.
Sociocultural hurdles, including mobility restrictions and safety concerns, deter career climbs. Legal frameworks lag, with maternity leave provisions rarely honored. Benchmarking against India or Bangladesh reveals Pakistan’s unique challenges, despite similar starting points.
Optimism stems from rising female entrepreneurship, fueled by digital platforms. NGOs are bridging skills gaps through vocational programs. For corporations, diversity training and bias audits are gaining traction as smart business moves.
To climb the ranks, Pakistan needs a national compact: enforceable quotas, robust childcare infrastructure, and cultural campaigns challenging stereotypes. The stakes are high—unleashing women’s leadership could add billions to the economy. It’s time to turn data into decisive action.