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Bridging the Gender Gap: Empowering Pakistan’s Workforce

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Amidst the acrimonious political landscape, a glimmer of hope emerged as the National Assembly enacted legislation on Monday that promises to bring positive change to a wide cross-section of society. If embraced by the provinces, these laws have the potential to profoundly impact our collective well-being.

Let’s start with the groundbreaking Maternity and Paternity Leave Bill, 2023, which encompasses both public and private entities under the federal government’s purview, including companies, factories, and autonomous organizations, regardless of their geographical location. Under this legislation, women will now be entitled to a more substantial period of leave for the birth of their child. First-time mothers can enjoy up to six months of paid leave, while mothers of second and third children will receive four and three months respectively, all while receiving their full salary.

This represents a notable improvement over the previous provisions. Additionally, the bill recognizes the importance of fatherhood by granting new fathers a fully paid month of leave upon the birth of their child, which they can avail of up to three times during their tenure of service. This progressive step acknowledges the crucial role that fathers play in nurturing their children and promotes a more balanced approach to parenting.

In parallel, the Day Care Centres Act, 2023, has been enacted, compelling government and private organizations within the Islamabad Capital Territory with a workforce of at least 70 employees to establish on-site day care facilities. This mandate not only supports working parents but also reinforces the commitment to creating a conducive environment that caters to the needs of both employees and their children. By ensuring that child care is readily accessible, this legislation empowers working parents to fulfill their professional responsibilities while providing their children with a safe and nurturing environment.

Furthermore, the National Assembly has also taken strides to transform educational institutions into more child-friendly spaces. Through the passage of another bill, paramedical staff will now be required to be present on the premises of all educational institutions in the ICT. This ensures that immediate medical attention can be provided in case of emergencies or health-related concerns, offering reassurance to parents and fostering a secure and supportive atmosphere for students.

These legislative advancements demonstrate a commendable commitment to addressing the needs of families, promoting gender equality, and enhancing the well-being of children. By bolstering maternity and paternity leave provisions, establishing day care facilities, and prioritizing access to healthcare in educational settings, we are moving closer to creating a society that values the importance of family, promotes work-life balance, and champions the rights of children.

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The professional journeys of women in Pakistan are hindered by ingrained stereotypes and biases that not only jeopardize their employment but also impede their aspirations for career progression. The 2022 Global Gender Gap Index Report sheds light on this disheartening reality, ranking Pakistan at a dismal 145 out of 156 countries in terms of economic participation and opportunities for women.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), women represent a mere 22 percent of the labor force, marking one of the lowest rates of female labor force participation in South Asia. This concerning statistic highlights the numerous barriers that prevent women from actively engaging in the workforce. One such obstacle is the inadequate provision of maternity leave, which varies significantly across the provinces despite its existence nationwide.

While Sindh leads the way by granting 16 weeks of maternity leave, other provinces offer only 14 or 12 weeks. This lack of uniformity not only creates confusion but also perpetuates inequality, as women in different regions face disparate levels of support during this crucial period. To foster a more equitable society, it is imperative to establish consistent and extended maternity leave policies nationwide.

Moreover, recognizing the importance of fatherhood, it is essential to take a progressive step forward by enacting legislation that guarantees paid paternity leave. This acknowledgement emphasizes that men too have a vital role to play in the journey of parenthood. By providing fathers with the opportunity to take time off work to support their partners and bond with their children, we can promote a more balanced and inclusive approach to parenting.

Another pressing issue that needs urgent attention is the absence of adequate on-site daycare facilities within workplaces. The availability of such facilities would not only facilitate women’s employment but also eliminate the need for them to choose between their maternal responsibilities and their careers. It is crucial to understand that Pakistan cannot afford to lose out on the valuable contributions that women can make to its economic landscape. By investing in the establishment of daycare centers at workplaces, we can empower working mothers, alleviate their concerns, and create an environment that promotes work-life balance.

Addressing the challenges faced by working women requires a comprehensive approach that involves both government intervention and private sector initiatives. The government should play a pivotal role in enacting legislation that safeguards the rights of working women and promotes gender equality in the workplace. At the same time, employers must take proactive steps to eliminate gender biases, provide equal opportunities for career growth, and foster inclusive work environments that empower women to thrive.

In conclusion, the low economic participation and opportunities for women in Pakistan are a cause for concern. The need for reform is evident, with the provision of extended and uniform maternity leave, the introduction of paid paternity leave, and the establishment of on-site daycare facilities emerging as crucial areas of focus. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a society that values and supports the contributions of women in the workforce. It is time to break free from the shackles of stereotypes and biases and build a nation where every individual, regardless of gender, has an equal opportunity to pursue their professional aspirations.

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