The recently released Gender Gap Index ranks Pakistan at the bottom globally, with a closure rate of just 56.7 per cent of its overall gender gap. More specifically, in the Economic Participation and Opportunity category, Pakistan ranks at 143rd, pointing to the stagnant levels of female labour force participation, which in the formal economy range from anything between 3-25 per cent, depending on the sector, with fewer women in the higher management levels.

The maternal wall remains one of the most frequently cited challenges women face. The lack of family support in the workplace, whether in the form of reliable childcare, parental leave, or flexible working arrangements, leads to leaky pipelines. Despite improvements in education levels among women, many who join the workforce tend to leave after having children.

According to research undertaken by the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), UNICEF, and UN Women Pakistan, 70pc of companies are aware of family-friendly workplace practices, but only around a quarter are actually implementing them. The report ‘Enhancing Family-Friendly Policies in Pakistan’ highlights that for many businesses, family support is still perceived as a discretionary benefit, rather than a basic workforce requirement.

The findings highlight that access to workplace childcare is limited, with major concerns over cost, accessibility, and the inconsistent quality of available options. While urban regions may have more facilities, high costs make them unaffordable for many families, while rural regions remain largely underserved.

To unlock the full potential of our........

© Dawn Business