Bridging the gap: Gender equality in vocational training in Sindh

The other day I was talking to my house help, she was sharing her daughters interest in IT, AI and stitching, and beautician training courses.

They want to have a career in these, she uttered. They are in standard 8th and 9th in a nearby school. She want them to pursue their passion. Her son’s already going in evening vocational training centre. She cannot send girls far away during late hours of the day. It is not approved by father as well as family restrictions do not allow. This is not the story of one household but a common story of underprivileged and lower- middle–class households. This motivated me to investigate the gender gap in vocational training centre’s.

Here, it is not irrelevant to refer Quaid e Azam’s address on 10th March 1944, to Muslim University Union, Aligarh. He states, no nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you. We are victims of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up within the four walls of the houses as prisoners. Let us try to raise the standard of our women according to our own Islamic ideas and standards. You should take your women along with you as comrades in every sphere of life, avoiding the corrupt practices of Western society.

He emphasised women empowerment and their participation in economic activities.

In 2015, the UN set up seventeen (17) Sustainable development goals targeted to achieve by 2030. Among these, fifth (5th) goal focusing on gender equality. It refers to the importance it carry. Much have been discussed on women empowerment and in general gender equality. At the age of technological and technical advancement now it’s time to investigate the situation in this area.

In Pakistan according to 2023 census, sex ratio indicate more males then females. Data shows 106 males per 100 females. In Sindh 2017 census data reveals 52% males and 48 % females. Urban areas have a slightly higher male- female ratio, (109.3:100 vs 107.8:100 in rural areas).

Data for the province of Sindh is based on 2017 census, pretty old. Growth rate for urban mega city Karachi estimated 4 percent. Migrant population Contribute to this city from Sindh estimated approximately up to 40 percent. This indicates low or less opportunities present in rural Sindh.

Sirajuddin Aziz Saheb, senior banker and author, believes empowering women is definitely key to economic growth. Hence including women in the main stream is a call of the day. He insisted in creating jobs for females in every sector of the economy, while addressing at various forums.

The world has become a global village now, and technology and Artificial Intelligence leading the way. To progress, countries need to adapt to these. Without adopting these skills no country can progress. A skilled workforce specially women can greatly participate in reducing poverty.

Experts like Ikram Sehgal Saheb also stressed upon the crucial role a women can play in improving economic growth, specially in today’s tech- driven world.  Without women participation, progress is tough. He recently stated in a discussion at KLF 2026.

Empowering women and girls, through Vocational training, also including those with disabilities can help reduce poverty. It can be used as a strong tool, a resource to combat poverty.

Half of the world’s population is of women. It is time they must be empowered economically through vocational training. This will contribute in achieving fifth sustainable development goal of gender equality. It is also important to include women and girls with disabilities in the empowering process.

In developing countries by equipping them with in –demand skills, can produce skilled workers. It is well accepted fact that trained women workforce rather human capital in any economy are valuable asset for economic and social development.

The key aspect is to offer training that’s relevant to their needs as well as their experties and interest, like stitching for elderly women and technical or beautician courses for young girls. Setting up vocational centres in areas with high demand can make a huge difference. A targeted survey can help identify the skills needed and the number and size of vocational training centres in average and low income areas.

Skilled women workers can prove to be a valuable asset to the economy.