In addition to being a mother, life partner, and sister, a woman is also a society’s future. Any kind of her presence makes the world a worthwhile place to live. Pakistan is at a pivotal juncture in its quest for gender equality and women’s empowerment as the world observes International Women’s Day on March 8. Even though they make up about half of the population, Pakistani women still encounter structural obstacles in the areas of social mobility, work, healthcare, education, legal protection and many more untold tales. Despite efforts by the government, development organizations, and civil society to enhance the lives of women, numerous obstacles still need to be addressed. This article explores the problems facing Pakistani women, legislative and legal solutions, the function of international organizations and social safety nets, and future proposals.
The advancement of Pakistani women is impeded by ingrained institutional and cultural obstacles. Despite legislative protections, gender-based violence is still a serious problem, as seen by the persistence of honor killings, child marriages, job harassment, and domestic abuse. Many women are deprived of education and opportunities for personal development because they are compelled into young marriages. Due to social taboos, victims are frequently deterred from reporting crimes out of fear of social retaliation.
Women continue to participate in the workforce at an alarmingly low rate. Their mobility is limited by cultural conventions, and the gender gap is further widened by limited opportunities, wage discrimination, and unsafe working conditions. Gender-based economic inequality is reinforced by the fact that a sizable portion of Pakistani women continue to rely financially on male family members. Without financial independence or legal protections, rural women in particular work in low-paying informal jobs.
Access to high-quality education is still a significant problem, particularly in rural regions where there are either no girls’ schools or very few with inadequate facilities. Due to early marriages, parental pressure, and poverty, many females drop out. The circle of economic reliance is strengthened by the gender gap in schooling, which translates into fewer professional options. Social pressure and control keep even highly educated and successful women from using their abilities. For instance, a large number of professional women, including doctors, engineers, lawyers, and others, are kept at home, wasting money and resources for the country.
Women are also disproportionately affected by healthcare inequities. Because of limited access to healthcare facilities, a lack of knowledge about reproductive health, and social norms that discourage women from seeking medical attention, maternal death rates continue to be high. Another serious issue is malnutrition in both pregnant women and newborns. Furthermore, mental health problems are still mostly disregarded especially anxiety disorders and postpartum depression.
Women’s political representation and decision-making authority are still restricted, even in the face of allocated seats in Parliament and provincial assemblies. Males continue to dominate political leadership, and many female MPs lack clout within their parties. The advancement of gender-related issues is hampered by the lack of women in important policymaking roles.
Although Pakistan has passed several laws to safeguard women’s rights, their application is still lacking. Important legislative landmarks include the Child Marriage Restriction Act, the Anti-Honor Killing Laws (2016), and the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010). However, their efficacy is hampered by inadequate enforcement measures, societal shame, and legal loopholes. Due to a lack of legal assistance, inadequate prosecution, and cultural pressure, many victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse are unable to obtain justice.
The government has started women-focused policy initiatives to address these problems. The Sindh Domestic Violence Prevention Act and the Punjab Women Protection Authority seek to give victims access to shelters, legal assistance, and psychological support. However, these initiatives require greater funding, awareness, and grassroots implementation to be effective.
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), which acknowledges women’s economic vulnerabilities, has played a significant role in helping low-income women by offering financial support. Female heads of families get direct cash transfers under the Kafaalat Program, enabling them to make financial decisions on their own. For millions of Pakistani women, this program has increased household stability, children’s education, and food security.
The Nashonuma Program, which offers conditional cash transfers to expectant mothers to guarantee appropriate prenatal care and nutrition, was also launched to address maternal and child health issues. Rural women have benefited much from these programs, but in order to guarantee their efficacy and transparency, they must be expanded and adequately monitored.
By offering vocational and technical training, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) have been instrumental in empowering women economically. Women in Pakistan are now able to create small enterprises and enter the workforce thanks to their increased proficiency in IT, fashion design, freelancing, handicrafts, and healthcare. Women in conservative communities who cannot access traditional jobs have benefited most from NAVTTC’s digital skills training initiatives. To make a living while juggling their social obligations, many women have turned to internet business, e-commerce, and freelancing.
In Pakistan, a number of foreign development organizations are actively working to advance women’s empowerment and gender equality. The World Bank has started a number of projects related to economic empowerment and education, such as digital inclusion initiatives, microfinance projects, and funding for girls’ education. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been funding projects for safe public transit, gender-inclusive workplace regulations, and women-led enterprises.
The German Development Agency (GIZ) has prioritized legal assistance for survivors of gender-based violence, vocational training, and women’s leadership initiatives. In the meantime, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has funded initiatives related to education, rural women’s employment, and maternal healthcare. Although these initiatives have improved women’s access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and financial resources, longer-term sustainability will require more cooperative efforts.
Pakistani NGOs have led the charge in promoting women’s rights alongside foreign donors. Legal aid, policy advocacy, and grassroots education programs are offered by groups including the Pakistan Women Lawyers Association, ShirkatGah, and the Aurat Foundation. In tackling issues like economic rights, women’s political participation, and domestic abuse, their contributions have been crucial. Even if there has been progress, addressing the issues Pakistani women confront would require a multifaceted strategy. The current legislation must be strictly enforced. To guarantee prompt trials and justice for victims, special tribunals for instances involving gender-based violence ought to be set up. To handle issues involving women, law enforcement organizations require gender sensitivity training.
Women’s empowerment is vital for global progress and requires a comprehensive approach that includes legal protection, economic opportunities, education, and cultural change. In Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, efforts must go beyond financial aid by establishing women-led business incubators, providing interest-free loans, expanding vocational training, and increasing funding for girls’ education while enforcing laws against child marriage. Achieving gender equality also calls for shifting societal attitudes through the involvement of religious leaders, media, and educational institutions, with men as active allies. Recognizing these needs, the Government of Balochistan is advancing women’s leadership, economic independence, safety, and mobility through initiatives like skill development programs, legal support, and the Pink Bus Service scheme, reinforcing that sustainable development is only possible when women’s rights are fully protected and prioritized.
