Indicating great progress towards gender equality, a recent survey found that 76 per cent of Pakistani men and 90 per cent of Pakistani women believed that women should be allowed to work. This showed an increase of 11 per cent in the supporters since 2011. The survey assessed attitude on gender parity and reported that the number of Pakistani men who think women should have equal rights had increased by 15 per cent during the last seven years. It also highlighted the gaps between attitudes and practice, pointing towards the barriers that were still inhibiting women’s access to economic and political opportunities. Overall, Pakistan was said to have made significant progress towards gender equity. The findings of the survey were discussed by a panel on Tuesday at a seminar titled ‘Evolving Attitudes on Gender Equity in Pakistan’ organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The event was attended by more than 70 representatives from civil society, government and the international community. Panellists deliberated upon survey results in greater detail while providing recommendations for continued progress. Ambassador Paul Jones, Charge d’Affairs of US to Pakistan, emphasized, “For societies to thrive, women and girls must have educational and employment opportunities, quality health care, and access to technology. He added that gender equity and women’s empowerment were not just a part of development but held the centre of every country’s development goals. Published in Daily Times, March 20th 2019.