Bridging Pakistan’s Gender Divide

Shazia Mehboob

Islamabad: In the bustling streets of Rawalpindi, a young lady named Iraj dreams of a brighter future. Her vision is clear—she wants to launch an online platform that connects women in rural areas to education and job opportunities.

Yet, as she navigates her way through the digital and economic landscape of Pakistan, she faces challenges that are all too familiar to millions of women across the country.

Iraj’s story is not unique. It reflects the broader reality of Pakistan’s persistent gender divide, a challenge deeply rooted in societal norms and systemic barriers. 

Women like Iraj, with potential and ambition, are often held back by limited access to technology, financial resources, and opportunities. This disparity significantly hampers the nation’s socio-economic growth, leaving half its population on the sidelines of progress.

Recent findings by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have painted a sobering picture of the digital gender divide in Pakistan. Globally, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that there are 327 million fewer women than men with access to smartphones and mobile internet.

In Pakistan, this gap is even more pronounced.

Despite a significant increase in internet users—22 million more between 2021 and 2022, as noted by the UNDP—internet penetration remains below 40 percent. For women, barriers such as high device costs, safety concerns, limited digital literacy, and entrenched patriarchal norms create additional hurdles.

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The PTA’s report underscores another troubling reality: nearly 25 percent of adult women lack a CNIC, effectively barring them from accessing critical financial and technological services.

This divide extends to social media, where the imbalance is glaring. Out of Pakistan’s 60.4 million Facebook users, only 24 percent are women. Similar trends are seen on YouTube and TikTok, where women account for 28 percent and 22 percent of users, respectively. Even Instagram, with a slightly higher percentage of 36 percent women users, highlights the disparity.

Pakistan’s dismal ranking of 145th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap (GGG) Index 2024 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) is a stark indicator of the systemic issues at play. Across economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment, Pakistan has consistently fallen short.

In education, 25 million children are out of school, with girls disproportionately affected. Poverty and societal norms often force young girls to work alongside their mothers instead of attending school. 

In health, high maternal mortality rates and inadequate reproductive healthcare services compound the challenges women face.

In the informal economy, where most women work, protections are scarce. Exploitation is rampant, and opportunities for advancement are limited. Resistance to movements like the Aurat March, which advocates for women’s rights, exemplifies the entrenched patriarchal attitudes that stifle progress.

Efforts to bridge the gender divide must go beyond policy. They require a societal shift that challenges norms and redefines women’s roles. The PTA’s Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy, developed with UNESCO Pakistan, is a commendable step.

However, broader and more inclusive measures are needed to address the systemic challenges.

Change must start at home, where patriarchal norms are first instilled. Women need to be active participants in decision-making processes across all sectors—education, health, politics, and beyond.

Access to quality education and reproductive healthcare is critical. Tackling high fertility rates and overpopulation, which strain resources and limit opportunities for women, must be prioritized.

Women in the informal economy need legal protections and avenues for skill development. Encouraging their participation in trade unions and formal sectors can empower them economically.

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Reserved quotas are a start, but women’s participation in politics must go further. Encouraging diverse representation and addressing the challenges women face in governance can pave the way for meaningful change.

Expanding access to affordable technology, coupled with digital literacy programs, is vital.

Sensitization campaigns can play a crucial role in dismantling stereotypes and promoting gender equality.

Iraj’s dream of empowering women through digital platforms may seem daunting today, but it is achievable with collective effort. Pakistan’s journey toward gender parity will not be easy, but it is a necessary one.

No nation can thrive by sidelining half its population. Bridging Pakistan’s gender and digital divides is not just about equity; it is about unlocking the full potential of the nation. As the WEF aptly notes, achieving gender parity is not just about meeting basic needs—it is about inspiring innovation and driving progress.

For Iraj, and millions like her, the path to equality is a beacon of hope. With sustained commitment and action, a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan is within reach.

Shazia Mehboob is a PhD scholar and a visiting faculty member. She is also a freelance journalist and the founder of The PenPK.com. She tweets @thepenpk.