KARACHI:
The trend of women entrepreneurs is gaining a meritorious impetus in recent times the world over. In several countries, women are significantly contributing to the labour force, participating in the economic growth of their respective countries and the region. Women’s participation has also increased in Pakistan, when compared with the situation in previous years, but the percentage of women in the labour force is only 23%, including just one per cent entrepreneurs. In addition, only 25% female university graduates join the working force in Pakistan.
These sombre statistics are mainly a result of societal restrictions imposed on women by their families in Pakistan. No wonder gender discrimination is worsening in the country which ranks 145th out of 146 countries on the global gender disparity index. The situation, therefore, warrants concerted efforts from various stakeholders including the government, NGOs and the private sector. These stakeholders should pave the way for increased participation of women entrepreneurs by adopting all possible measures in this regard. This will also be a sublime move to bridle the menace of gender disparity long persisting in the roots of Pakistani society.
Waseem Murad
Sohbatpur
