Sindh still struggles with tribal customs, low literacy rates, and patriarchal structures, which hinder women’s full participation in society

Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo

We have largely ignored womenfolk in Pakistan however, the fact is that women in Pakistan make up around 49 percent of the total population, but their participation in the labor force is less than 20 percent. This stark disparity highlights a significant issue that has yet to be adequately addressed. In developed countries, women are recognized as a vital driving force behind economic growth, and the idea of strengthening the economy without their active participation is inconceivable.

In developed countries, women grapple with issues such as the wage gap, equal representation in leadership positions, and flexible working hours. Conversely, in developing countries like Pakistan, women are still engaged in a struggle for their fundamental human rights, including the right to life, the right to education, and the right to freedom. These basic rights are among the critical issues that women in our country are fighting to attain.

Women in rural Pakistan primarily work on family-owned agricultural farms without compensation. They also perform twice as much domestic work as men. If compensated for their contributions, women could significantly boost global GDP by 10-40 percent.

Increasing opportunities for women, especially in politics, is crucial. Women’s political representation can empower them to challenge patriarchal norms and drive policy changes that create safer environments. For instance, when Pervez Musharraf raised women’s political quotas, Pakistan’s Gender Gap Index ranking improved. To combat inequality effectively, we must elevate women’s roles across all sectors.

Read: ‘Women peasants in rural Sindh face multiple challenges’

Women constitute approximately 49% of Pakistan’s total population, yet their representation in the labor force is significantly low, standing at only 20% (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2022). This disparity highlights systemic barriers that limit women’s economic participation. In contrast, developed nations view women as essential contributors to economic growth, recognizing their role in innovation, productivity, and financial stability.

In industrialized countries, the discourse surrounding women’s economic involvement revolves around issues such as the wage gap, equal representation in leadership roles, and flexible working conditions. However, in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, women are still struggling for fundamental human rights, including access to education, freedom of mobility, and economic independence (UNDP Pakistan, 2021).

Rural Women’s Economic Contributions

In the agricultural sector, rural women play a crucial role in farming and livestock management, often working on family-owned land without formal compensation. Research indicates that women in these regions contribute twice as much labor to domestic tasks compared to men (World Bank, 2020). If domestic labor were monetized, estimates suggest that it could add between 10% and 40% growth to the global GDP (ILO, 2019).

Greater participation of women in governance and policymaking is vital in addressing systemic inequalities. Historical reforms, such as the quota expansion under President Pervez Musharraf, led to an improved ranking for Pakistan in the Gender Gap Index (World Economic Forum, 2008). Women’s inclusion in political institutions allows for policy reforms that prioritize female entrepreneurship, workplace protections, and equal access to financial resources.

Strategies for Enhancing Women’s Economic Participation

Agricultural Innovation: Training programs focused on modern farming techniques can improve productivity among female agricultural workers.

Entrepreneurial Support: Expanding access to microfinance and market connectivity can empower women to turn traditional skills, such as embroidery and handicrafts, into sustainable businesses.

Educational Advancement: Increased investment in literacy programs and vocational training can equip rural women with diverse economic opportunities.

Digital and Financial Inclusion: Mobile banking and digital marketplaces can facilitate remote economic engagement for women, especially in isolated communities.

The Role of Men in Women’s Empowerment

Male family members, fathers, brothers, and husbands play a crucial role in supporting female education and professional development. Active encouragement of schooling, financial investment in women’s education, and advocacy against restrictive cultural norms can significantly improve gender equity in economic participation (UNESCO Pakistan, 2020).

Village women in Sindh, Pakistan, have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the national economy. Institutional reforms, grassroots initiatives, and evolving social attitudes collectively shape opportunities for women’s empowerment. Economic stability and gender inclusion are interconnected; addressing systemic barriers will not only benefit individual women but also enhance national economic growth.

Women in Sindh, Pakistan, face a mix of challenges and progress. The Women Development Department (WDD) Sindh is actively working on empowerment initiatives, including legal assistance, economic support, and social awareness programs. They provide services like safe houses, day care centers, and complaint cells to support women in distress.

However, Sindh still struggles with tribal customs, low literacy rates, and patriarchal structures, which hinder women’s full participation in society. While some women have made strides in education, employment, and politics, many still face barriers in healthcare, property rights, and physical security.

For a broader national perspective, the UN Women Pakistan report highlights gaps in gender equality, particularly in economic empowerment and protection against violence. Efforts are ongoing to improve policies and access to resources.

Women’s status in Sindh varies compared to other provinces in Pakistan, with some progress in legal protections but persistent challenges in economic and social inclusion.

Punjab ranks higher in women’s empowerment, with better access to education and employment. It has the highest Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Index score among provinces, reflecting stronger gender inclusion.

Sindh has some legal protections for women in agriculture, but female employment rates remain low, similar to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Women in rural Sindh often work in agriculture but are more likely to be unpaid family workers.

Balochistan ranks lowest in human development and gender inclusion, with high poverty rates and limited access to education and healthcare. Women’s participation in the workforce is among the lowest in the country.

KPK has seen some improvements in economic conditions, but cultural restrictions still limit women’s mobility and employment opportunities.

Sindh has urban centers like Karachi, where women have better access to education and employment, but rural areas still face deep-rooted patriarchal norms.

Read: Deterioration of Education in Sindh

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Dr. Abdullah G. Arijo is a retired professor, ex: chairman, Department of Parasitology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam, ex-advisor Academics & P&D to Vice Chancellor, SAU Tandojam. Email: Email: abdullaharijo@gmail.com