In a country where women comprise nearly half the population, why do they remain largely invisible in corridors of power, education, and economic development? Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched in Pakistan's socio-political and economic structures. From limited political representation and educational disparities to legal blind spots and cultural norms, women in Pakistan continue to face systemic disadvantages that restrict their empowerment and participation. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum, Pakistan ranks 145 out of 146 countries, underscoring the severity of the issue. While some progress has been made in isolated areas such as microfinance initiatives, legislative reforms, and awareness campaigns, the gap between law and practice remains stark. This editorial critically examines how structural discrimination and legal loopholes perpetuate gender inequality in Pakistan and argues for comprehensive reforms to build an inclusive and just society where women can fully realize their potential.
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Historical Roots and Structural Barriers
The roots of gender disparity in Pakistan lie in historical patriarchy reinforced by institutional and societal frameworks. Although Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan promises equality before the law, women continue to face both legal and cultural discrimination. In many parts of the country, especially in rural and tribal areas, customary practices like honor killing, child marriage, denial of inheritance rights, and forced marriages persist despite their illegality. These practices are often justified through misinterpretations of tradition or religion, shielding perpetrators from accountability. The tragic case of Qandeel Baloch (2016) highlights how honor-based violence is not only prevalent but also socially tolerated. Moreover, state institutions have failed to enforce existing laws effectively, creating an environment where injustice against women is normalized. Law enforcement agencies often lack gender sensitivity particularly in cases of gender-based violence.
Economic Exclusion of Women
One of the most glaring manifestations of gender inequality is the economic exclusion of women. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, female labor force participation stands at only 21 percent as of 2023. Cultural taboos, mobility restrictions, lack of workplace safety, and limited access to credit and resources act as formidable barriers. Moreover, women who are employed often face wage discrimination and occupational segregation, being restricted to low-paying and informal sectors. The lack of affordable childcare and hostile work environments further diminish women's economic participation. Although initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) have attempted to address female poverty, sustainable change requires structural policy shifts and gender-sensitive economic planning. For instance, World Bank studies highlight that closing the gender gap in workforce participation could increase Pakistan’s GDP by up to 30 percent, demonstrating how economic empowerment is both a moral and developmental imperative.
Legal Gaps and Weak Enforcement
The legal framework in Pakistan exhibits significant gaps in protecting women's rights and ensuring justice. Although laws like the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010) and the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act (2021) mark progress, enforcement remains weak. Police reluctance, victim-blaming, and procedural delays often deter victims from seeking justice. The parallel existence of religious and customary legal systems, such as Jirgas and Panchayats, undermines the authority of formal judicial mechanisms, especially in gender-based violence cases. Furthermore, the lack of female representation in law enforcement and judiciary hinders empathetic engagement with survivors. Comprehensive legal reforms, judicial training, and institutional oversight are crucial for bridging these gaps. Notably, reports by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) repeatedly document how domestic violence cases often fail due to loopholes in evidence collection and trial delays.
Educational Disparities
Education is a pivotal battleground in the struggle for gender equality. Despite improvements in enrollment rates, gender disparity in education remains significant, particularly in secondary and tertiary levels. According to UNICEF, over 22 million children in Pakistan are out of school, with girls making up the majority. Socio-economic factors, early marriages, and safety concerns often result in girls dropping out before completing their education. The lack of female teachers in rural areas further discourages girls from attending school. Policies must prioritize investment in gender-inclusive school infrastructure, conditional cash transfer programs for female students, and community awareness to challenge anti-education norms. The success of programs like the Punjab Education Foundation’s stipend scheme for girls shows that targeted interventions can significantly increase female school attendance, yet nationwide implementation remains inadequate.
Political Marginalization
Political marginalization of women further compounds structural discrimination. Although women constitute nearly half the population, their representation in political institutions remains dismal beyond the reserved quotas. Mainstream political parties rarely nominate women for general seats, and female politicians often face character assassination and threats. Legislative assemblies lack the will to mainstream gender issues in national discourse, while women in politics face double standards and systemic bias. Strengthening women’s political participation requires electoral reforms, capacity-building programs for female leaders, and strict enforcement of laws against political harassment and violence. A 2023 report by Aurora Women’s Network notes that only 4.5 percent of general election candidates were women, reflecting deep-rooted exclusion from decision-making roles.
Media, Culture, and Gender Norms
Media and popular culture also play a dual role in perpetuating or challenging gender norms. While some progressive narratives highlight women’s empowerment, many television dramas and films reinforce stereotypes of women as submissive, dependent, or morally inferior. This cultural portrayal has tangible effects on societal perceptions and female self-worth. Regulatory bodies must hold media outlets accountable for promoting gender bias while encouraging gender-sensitive content creation. Moreover, educational curricula should integrate gender equality themes to foster critical thinking and dismantle harmful stereotypes from an early age. Positive campaigns, such as UN Women Pakistan’s “Beat Me” initiative, have shown how media can challenge misogynistic norms and spark public debate.
Urbanization, Digital Access, and Cyber Challenges
Urbanization and digital access offer new avenues for empowering women, but they also present fresh challenges. The internet has enabled greater female expression, activism, and entrepreneurship, with digital platforms like Daraz and Instagram boosting women-led businesses. Yet, it has also exposed women to cyber harassment, digital surveillance, and online violence. According to a Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) report (2023), 70 percent of Pakistani women have faced online harassment, yet legal frameworks to combat cybercrimes remain underutilized, and victims often have little recourse. Policymakers must prioritize digital literacy programs for women, strengthen cybercrime investigation units, and ensure that online platforms are held accountable for user safety. Digital inclusion must be accompanied by strong safeguards to truly empower women in the digital age.
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Critically examining the landscape of gender inequality in Pakistan reveals that structural discrimination is maintained by a combination of legal loopholes, institutional apathy, and entrenched cultural norms. While progress has been made in certain areas, the pace and scope of change remain insufficient. Gender equality cannot be achieved through isolated policy measures; it requires a coordinated, cross-sectoral strategy that includes legal reforms, educational investment, economic inclusion, and cultural transformation. Without addressing the root causes, superficial interventions will fail to produce long-term results.
In conclusion, the fight against gender inequality in Pakistan demands not only legal guarantees but also institutional commitment and cultural shifts. Bridging the gender gap requires dismantling patriarchal structures, enforcing protective laws, and empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and political participation. By creating an inclusive framework that values equity and justice, Pakistan can transform its social fabric and ensure that all citizens, regardless of gender, can realize their full potential.
