Disparities Galore

Women have a major role to play in achieving sustainable economic progress

By Sidra Tufail

In today's dynamic world, it is imperative that women be equipped with economic equality to further the country towards the path of development. The world has experienced a fundamental change in its economic affairs and women have played a major role in this regard. Now, economic development is being closely related to the advancement of women. Countries where women have advanced, economic growth has been steady, whereas where women have been restrained, there has been stagnation.

The role of women in development is most intimately related to the goal of comprehensive socioeconomic development, and is a strategic question for the development of a society. The full and complete development of Pakistan, as well as the overall welfare of the nation, requires the maximum participation of women on equal terms with men in all fields. It is, thus, imperative that we recognise the role of women as a dynamic factor and a valuable asset in the overall process of development and not to view them as an economic burden or cost that they are currently considered by many.

Equality between women and men is a matter of human rights and a condition for social justice. It is also a prerequisite for development and peace. Empowerment and equality are important human rights aims in themselves, and promoting gender equality also promotes the stable growth and development of economic systems, with social as well as strictly economic and monetary benefits.

Unfortunately, for Pakistan, gender disparities are rampant in the country. Large gender disparities in basic human rights, resources and economic opportunity, and political voice are still pervasive in Pakistan. The assumption that the responsibility for child rearing and for family needs lies with women limits their capacity to participate efficiently in the production process. Gender inequalities hinder development and ignoring them comes at a great cost to people's well being, and the country's abilities to grow substantially and govern effectively and, thus, reduce poverty.

Any development strategy initiated in our economy that neglects the need for enhancing the role of women cannot lead to widespread socioeconomic development. A change in the traditional role of men as well as the role of women in our society and the family unit is needed to achieve full equality between men and women. Women's second-class status carries a financial and social cost, and not just for women. Men and society in general, also pay a price. For this reason, empowering women should be the central aim of sustainable development for Pakistan.

The issue of women's status, autonomy and equality has frequently been raised internationally on the principle that a nation cannot progress when a vast segment of society is deprived of its due share and not allowed to play its role properly. Inequality between women and men limits productivity and, ultimately, slows economic growth. In addition, women's human capital generates benefits for society in the form of lower child mortality, higher educational attainment, improved nutrition and reduced population growth.

Limited education and training, poor health and nutrition, and denied access to resources not only affect the women's quality of life, but also hinder economic efficiency and growth. In Pakistan, however, gender discrimination is almost codified in the law, and women still lack the right to own land, manage property or conduct business, which severely limits their ability to participate as independent agents in the private sector's activities. This is alarming because women are agents of change, shaping the welfare of current as well as future generations. These human and development costs to Pakistan's economy make a strong case for public action to reduce gender disparities and, in doing so, reap the social as well as economic benefits associated with gender equality.

Courtesy: The News Pakistan