Achieving gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also crucial for promoting a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. Despite some progress in recent years, the global path is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030.

With women and girls making up half of the world’s population, they also represent half of its potential. However, gender disparities persist across societies, impeding social progress. Globally, women in the workforce earn an average of 23 percent less than men. They also devote about three times more time to unpaid domestic and caregiving duties compared to men.

In Pakistan, there is a notable gender disparity in education. Women face widespread discrimination within the patriarchal system, leading to reduced social, economic, and political status. World Bank data shows that women constitute 52 percent of Pakistan’s population. Keeping such a large portion of the population illiterate is a serious issue that likely impacts the country’s fragile and unequal economy.

Pakistan is ranked fourth-worst globally for gender parity in the 2021 Global Gender Gap Report, with an educational attainment rank of 144th out of 156 countries. The education system shows a 13 percent gender gap in enrollment, with only 46.5 percent of women literate, 61.6 percent attending primary school, 34.2 percent in high school, and 8.3 percent in tertiary education. Bridging the gender gap is estimated to take 136 years at the current pace. Insufficient government schools, particularly in rural areas, lack basic amenities like water and power, making education inaccessible. This worsens Pakistan’s educational challenges, especially in rural regions.

The government must ensure universal access to education for its entire population. UNICEF reports that 22.8 million children aged 5 to 16 are out of school, with girls constituting over 60%. To curb dropouts, the government should construct more schools, train new teachers, and prioritize “Education for All Children” programs, aiming to allocate 4% of GDP to education, up from the current 2%. State-of-the-art teacher training programs and facilities need implementation and follow-up. Additional schools with modern amenities are essential, especially for girls.

However, education alone cannot integrate women into Pakistan’s workforce due to entrenched cultural norms. Teenage pregnancy leads to girls dropping out, while sons receive priority in education, notably tertiary. Measures like free daycare and positive discrimination for female employees can boost women’s economic participation. Addressing prejudices requires awareness campaigns and changing societal attitudes through education.

Emphasizing women’s roles in family and societal well-being is crucial. Modifying discriminatory customs demands concerted public efforts. Ultimately, women’s empowerment hinges on reshaping cultural perceptions and fostering equal opportunities in education and employment, advancing both individual prosperity and societal progress.

How we can overcome this gender inequality

Promote inclusivity by avoiding segregating boys and girls into separate lines, and sports activities, and encouraging mixed seating in classrooms. Ensure educational materials depict genders equally. Encourage collaborative projects where boys and girls work together. Explore diverse gender concepts and roles across various communities to foster understanding and acceptance.

By embracing inclusivity and diversity in educational settings, we nurture environments where all individuals feel valued and empowered to learn and grow together.