Pakistan, like many other countries, faces significant challenges in achieving gender equality and economic inclusion, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship. While women make up nearly half of Pakistan”s population, their participation in the economy, particularly as entrepreneurs, remains limited. According to the World Bank, only about 1 in 5 Pakistani women participate in the labour force, and a mere 4% are entrepreneurs, compared to 28% of men. This stark gender gap in entrepreneurship reflects broader socio-economic disparities and systemic barriers that hinder women’s access to economic opportunities.

“Pakistan is among the eighteen economies globally, and the only South Asian
country, registering improvement in their women, business and the law score
from 55.6 index to 58.8 index by enacting reforms to improve gender equality.”.”

Despite improvements in recent years, access to quality education and vocational training remains limited for many women in Pakistan. This lack of educational opportunities hampers women’s ability to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to start and grow successful businesses. Access to finance is a major barrier for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Traditional banking practices often discriminate against women, requiring male relatives to serve as guarantors or collateral for loans. As a result, women face difficulties accessing credit and other financial services necessary for business investment and expansion. Women entrepreneurs in Pakistan also face legal and regulatory barriers that impede their ability to establish and operate businesses. Discriminatory laws and regulations, such as those governing property rights and inheritance, often disadvantage women, limiting their access to land and other productive assets essential for entrepreneurship.

Deep-rooted cultural and social norms in Pakistan reinforce gender roles and stereotypes that prioritize men’s economic participation over women’s. These norms contribute to the under representation of women in entrepreneurship and perpetuate unequal power dynamics within the household and society at large. Women entrepreneurs in Pakistan often struggle to access domestic and international markets due to limited networking opportunities and lack of market information. Additionally, gender-based discrimination and bias can further hinder women’s ability to establish business connections and form strategic partnerships. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to advance gender equality and economic inclusion for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan:

  • Strengthening Education and Training: Investing in women’s education and vocational training programs can equip aspiring women entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in business.
  • Promoting Financial Inclusion: Implementing gender-sensitive financial policies and initiatives, such as microfinance programs and women-focused lending schemes, can improve women’s access to finance and support their entrepreneurial endeavours.
  • Reforming Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Enacting reforms to eliminate discriminatory laws and regulations and promote gender-responsive policies can create an enabling environment for women’s entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
  • Changing Cultural and Social Norms: Engaging in advocacy and awareness- raising campaigns to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote women’s economic empowerment can help shift societal attitudes and norms towards greater gender equality.
  • Supporting Women’s Networks and Mentorship: Establishing networking platforms and mentorship programs tailored to women entrepreneurs can provide valuable support, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Achieving gender equality and economic inclusion for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan requires concerted efforts from policymakers, businesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. By addressing the systemic barriers and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and harnessing the potential of women’s entrepreneurship, Pakistan can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and social progress. It is imperative to prioritize gender-responsive policies and initiatives that empower women entrepreneurs and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Thankyou
Prof. Dr. Madeeha Malik
Executive Director, GIPI