Editorial
Gender equality is a central development component, but Pakistan faces numerous challenges in achieving it. According to the Global Gender Gap Index, Pakistan ranks the second lowest country globally for gender equality. Pakistan has a high prevalence of gender-based violence, such as domestic abuse, honour killings, sexual violence and institutional discrimination. According to a survey in 2018, 16.2% of women aged 15-49 years reported being subject to physical and sexual violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months. Violence against women and girls not only violates their human rights but also hinders their access to education, health, justice and economic opportunities.
Pakistan has one of the highest unmet needs for family planning in Asia, with only 48.4% of women having their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods in 2023. This results in high fertility rates, maternal mortality rates and adolescent birth rates, which affect women’s health, education and empowerment. Moreover, women face barriers to accessing quality sexual and reproductive health services and information, especially in rural areas and among marginalized groups. Pakistan has a significant gender gap in literacy and education, with only 46.5% of women aged 15+ being literate compared to 59.1% of men. The rate of out-of-school children is also higher for girls than boys, especially at the secondary level. Women’s participation in the labour force is also very low, with only 22.7% of women aged 15+ being employed compared to 81.1% of men. Women face multiple barriers to entering and remaining in the economic sphere, such as social norms, discrimination, harassment, lack of skills and opportunities, and unequal pay.
Women have limited voice and agency in public and private spheres, as they are underrepresented in political and civic institutions, as well as in household decision-making. As of February 2021, only 20.2% of seats in parliament were held by women, which is below the global average of 25.5%. Women also face challenges in accessing justice and legal protection, as some laws and practices are discriminatory or not effectively enforced.
These challenges are interrelated and mutually reinforcing, creating a cycle of inequality and disempowerment for women and girls. To overcome these challenges, Pakistan needs to adopt a holistic and multi-sectoral approach that addresses the root causes and structural barriers of gender inequality, as well as the specific needs and rights of women and girls. UNFPA is one of the agencies that is working with the government and civil society partners to advance gender equality in Pakistan through various programmes and interventions.
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