Sajjad Munir
Pakistan consistently finds itself at the top of the wrong lists, and the latest report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights a particularly troubling issue: the country’s gender pay gap. According to the ILO’s findings, Pakistan ranks among the worst globally when it comes to gender pay disparity. On average, Pakistani women earn 25% less than men per hour and 30% less per month, largely due to working fewer hours. This alarming gap remains mostly unexplained by differences in education, skills, or experience, suggesting deep-rooted systemic discrimination in the country’s labor market.
What makes Pakistan’s gender pay gap particularly concerning is its comparison with regional peers. Sri Lanka records a 22% gender pay gap, Nepal stands at 18%, and Bangladesh has even managed to reverse the trend, with women earning slightly more than men on average. By contrast, while the pay gap in Pakistan’s formal sector is relatively lower, it jumps drastically to over 40% in informal and household jobs, where women face the harshest exploitation. In Pakistan, for every Rs1,000 earned by men, women earn a mere Rs750, reinforcing the stark reality of wage inequality. Though there has been some improvement — down from a 33% gap in 2018 — the pace of change remains far too slow to indicate any substantial transformation.
The implications of this gender wage gap are nothing short of devastating, particularly for women in the informal sector. These women often earn far below the mandated minimum wage, making it almost impossible to meet even basic needs. Many are sole breadwinners, shouldering the responsibility of providing for their families without any financial assistance from male relatives. The widening gulf between wages and the rising cost of living has plunged many low-income and working-class women into deeper poverty. Despite long hours of labor, most women still cannot afford to provide their children with quality education or ensure a nutritious diet for their families.
Beyond the financial strain, this wage disparity traps women in situations of domestic abuse. Financial independence is often the key factor in a woman’s ability to escape from abusive and toxic households. Without an income that provides even basic financial security, many women are unable to break free from cycles of violence and oppression. Low wages also deny women access to financial services like credit or loans, further cementing their marginalization in society. The gender pay gap thus perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty, oppression, and societal exclusion, where women continue to suffer from systemic inequality.
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A nation where women represent nearly half of the population cannot afford to continue sidelining them economically. However, despite the critical importance of addressing gender issues, Pakistan’s political leadership remains largely indifferent. Gender disparities are rarely prioritized in policy discussions or election manifestos, and the necessary actions to address the gender pay gap have not been effectively implemented. This political neglect stands in stark contrast to the growing recognition worldwide of the need for gender equality, particularly in the labor market.
Countries that have invested in closing gender gaps have seen remarkable economic benefits. For instance, nations that focus on improving women’s participation in the workforce and ensuring equitable pay for women have enjoyed stronger economic growth and greater overall stability. Pakistan, if it hopes to achieve sustainable development and economic stability, must follow suit and address the systemic barriers that perpetuate gender-based wage discrimination.
To tackle the gender pay gap effectively, Pakistan’s government must prioritize reforms within the informal sector, where wage exploitation is particularly rampant. Regular wage surveys should be conducted to assess earnings, identify patterns of disparity, and enforce policies that ensure equal pay for equal work. Additionally, policies that empower women to negotiate fair wages and work conditions are essential. Strengthening collective bargaining mechanisms and providing legal protections against wage discrimination would be crucial steps in the right direction.
Moreover, the country’s leadership must act to shift the cultural attitudes that perpetuate this inequality. The deep-seated bias against women in the workplace must be confronted, with education and awareness programs aimed at fostering an environment of gender equality. The outdated mindset that gender-based wage discrimination is acceptable must be replaced by a commitment to fairness, equity, and respect for women’s rights.
The global community has moved beyond the archaic notions of gender-based wage discrimination, and it is time for Pakistan to do the same. The fight for gender equality in the labor market is not just a matter of fairness; it is an economic necessity. By empowering women, ensuring fair wages, and fostering an inclusive workforce, Pakistan can unlock its full economic potential. The current pace of progress is inadequate, but with the right policies, commitment, and leadership, the country can move toward a future where women are no longer economically sidelined but are integral contributors to the nation’s prosperity.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s gender pay gap is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. The country’s economic stability and sustainable development depend on the active participation of women in all sectors of the workforce, without being held back by outdated and discriminatory practices. The government must implement comprehensive reforms to address this issue and ensure that women have the financial independence and opportunities they deserve. Only by bridging this gap can Pakistan move forward into a future where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality for all.
