Daily Times

Since International Women’s Day (IWD) began in 1911, much progress has been recorded in women’s political and economic empowerment. The world has witnessed formidable women leaders from Benazir Bhutto – who became the first female leader of Pakistan in 1988 – to Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, who has made history as the only woman to start and run a major commercial airline, Vietjet Aviation. Although we’ve marked major milestones in giving women the same opportunities as men, there’s still much more to be done. Particularly in low income and developing nations.

In Pakistan – where nearly half the country’s population is female – How have we fared since Bhutto’s appointment? There has been little to no progress in unleashing women’s potential – they’ve been unable to contribute to the GDP and still remain elusive to the economy. Although some progress has been recorded in overcoming the persistent challenges of discrimination, gender-based violence and women’s unequal access to resources and decision-making, progress has been painfully slow.

Among the numerous cultural and traditional hurdles that keep women deprived in low income countries, the lack of will from and capacity of policy makers to empower women remains a concern. Additionally, low quality research and weak implementation of pro-women legislation are also serious concerns that impede women’s economic and political empowerment. The way forward?

IMF research suggests in developed economies, when policy makers keenly formulate and promote policies to increase female labour force participation, more women do indeed join the labour force, increasing overall productivity. Given that we can leverage our strengths by prioritizing the agriculture sector, this would be a great starting point.

Moreover, Canada, for instance, observed a significant increase in women’s paid work when it began taxing individuals instead of families. Perhaps Pakistan should approach income taxation from this lens to enhance trust between the state and its citizens. Taxpayers should feel comfortable and confident that the state will deliver results against the tax deductions.

Similarly, for low-income nations, programs aimed at reducing gender gaps in (secondary) education, have catalysed more economic opportunities for women. Pakistan has a huge opportunity because more than half of the population is under the age of thirty. There should be a unanimous, long-term agreement on improving the quality of and access to schools, colleges and universities. Systematic and thorough training, education and capacity building in the agricultural, manufacturing, renewable energy and IT sectors are the need of the hour.

In order to achieve gender parity in Pakistan, we will have to start implementing dynamic, gender-sensitive fiscal policies, run awareness campaigns around gender-biased social norms to empower women in the country

Additionally, other effective fiscal policies, such as improved infrastructure, decreased time spent on unpaid work, while providing more women the access to and choice of entering into paid employment. Investments in roads, introducing new revenue measures, or offering free, high-quality childcare are some note-worthy examples. Governments must not only consider what happens to per capita GDP, but also how these policies can reduce income and gender inequality.

Backed by the law and the Judiciary, these policies require implementation in order to create an enabling environment for women. Ranging from poor – to lack there-of – of legislation preventing sexual harassment in public places or at work, to discrimination in policies related to social security and protection, and inequities in pay for work of equal value, there are numerous legal challenges that women face.

In order to achieve gender parity in Pakistan, we will have to start implementing dynamic, gender-sensitive fiscal policies, run awareness campaigns around gender-biased social norms to empower women in the country. Last but not the least, we will have to unlearn conventional approaches to basic rights for women and replace them with newer belief systems, values, traditions, laws and policies.

Our cultural and patriarchal societal structure cuts through these politically correct ideals. However, this is exactly why we must challenge these preconceived notions of suppressing women financially and politically just like the Chinese (Qing Dynasty) did in the early 1900’s.

Saad Gul is an Islamabad based writer and entrepreneur. He can be reached at saad.gul2@gmail.com