KARACHI:
Pakistan often speaks of inclusive development, yet the women who sustain its rural communities have limited influence over the decisions that shape their lives. From agriculture and livestock management to household economies and community welfare, rural women make substantial contributions. However, their labour and knowledge do not necessarily translate into economic independence or decision-making power.
The challenge is not simply getting women into decision-making spaces; it is ensuring that their voices carry weight once they are there. A woman may attend a community meeting or hold a position in a local institution, yet remain excluded from decisions about priorities, resources and development plans. Limited access to land, credit, technology and agricultural training further restricts her opportunities. Unpaid care work, restricted mobility and inadequate childcare services add to these barriers.
The FAO’s 2024 National Gender Profile of Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods in Pakistan documents persistent gender inequalities across the agricultural sector. These inequalities extend beyond income and employment: they also determine whose needs are recognised when development priorities are set and public resources are allocated.
Local governments and development institutions must move beyond symbolic inclusion. Rural women need meaningful representation in local decision-making bodies, accessible consultations and a genuine role in planning, budgeting and monitoring development projects. Protecting land and inheritance rights, improving access to finance and training, and investing in childcare and transport are equally important.
Inclusive development should not be measured merely by how many women attend meetings or benefit from programmes, but by how much influence they have over the decisions shaping their futures. Rural women should not simply have a seat at the table; they must have the power to help shape what happens there.
Syeda Zahra Fatima
Bagh, AJK
