Gender equality is a fundamental human right considered indispensable for the establishment of a fair and impartial society. It involves guaranteeing that all people, irrespective of their gender, have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and authority in decision-making. Denying women equal access to opportunity and the power to shape their destinies is unfortunately not unheard of. Across the globe, women face hurdles while participating in the economy, acquiring education, securing their wellbeing, and voicing their concerns in leadership roles. Achieving gender equality is not just a standalone objective; it is the cornerstone of progress across all facets of society. 

Gender equality for women is essential for the growth of Pakistan. Pakistan is akin to the tip of an iceberg, representing its lively culture, extensive history, and indomitable spirit of its populace. The tenacity and capacities of Pakistani women hold unexplored potential, much like the concealed part of an iceberg underwater. Gender equality is a beneficial means for women to enhance their incomes, productivity, and achieve financial autonomy. Quoting Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the significance of gender equality, “No nation can ever be worthy of its existence that cannot take its women along with the men. No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men. There are two powers in the world: one is the sword, and the other is the pen. There is great competition and rivalry between the two. There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.” (Islamia College for Women March 25, 1940)
There are various tenors to gender quality, and one of them is women’s empowerment. Considering the numerous ways that exist to address gender equality, economic empowerment still proves to be the most effective. It not only empowers women but also provides them with impartial opportunities, support for decision-making, and financial resources. So far, many definitions of women’s empowerment have been framed. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) defines women’s empowerment as “empowerment concerns women and girls gaining power and control over their own lives. It involves awareness-raising, building self-confidence, expansion of choices, increased access to and control over resources, and actions to transform the structures and institutions that reinforce and perpetuate gender discrimination and inequality.”
Having said that, economic empowerment is undoubtedly an essential point that contributes greatly to producing a harmony of different perspectives in society. Not only does economic stability strengthen women, but it also allows them to make their own choices and have the ability to make decisions that can transform their lives in the long run. Empowering women in Pakistan is a crucial matter that requires focused attention and collaborative action. It serves as a fundamental catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth, and the establishment of a fair society. Empowering women is crucial for unlocking the nation’s full potential beyond just achieving gender equity.
The Pakistan Sustainable Development Goals Status Report 2021, the nation’s first official report on the progress towards sustainable development goals, offers a nuanced look at the state of gender equality and economic empowerment. Pakistan demonstrates advancement in all aspects of gender equality, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 5. The percentage of women in managerial roles almost doubled from 2.7% in 2015 to 4.53% in 2019. Physical violence decreased by 5.3%, from 18% in 2012–2013 to 13.6% in 2017–2018 across the country. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which previously had the highest rates of physical violence against women, saw a radical decrease in numbers. 
As a nation, we must recognize that change starts at home, but it does not happen immediately. It necessitates a succession of measures to go forward. Initially appearing as small stages, they eventually lead to significant results. The process begins with the combination of systematic changes, innovative policies, and community influence. Let’s examine the current status of women’s economic empowerment, the challenges they encounter, and the initiatives aimed at reducing disparities.
Equal Access to Education
Education should be accessible to all individuals, as it plays a crucial role in fostering mental growth and development. Various challenges within Pakistan, such as cultural traditions, poverty, traditional gender roles, limited educational resources, and a scarcity of female teachers, hinder women from pursuing higher education.  According to a United Nations (UN) report, home-based workers, mostly women, contribute PKR 400 billion (USD 2.8 billion) to Pakistan’s economy. Access to education and skill-building can further boost their economic contributions. Emphasizing the obstacles is crucial to overcoming them and moving forward. However, opportunities also exist to improve women’s education. Government scholarships and online learning platforms are opening access to education for women living in distant places. These give them the chance to learn in a secure setting and at their own speed. Even if these prospects seem promising, everything that restricts them still needs to be acknowledged.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship, once a vague concept, has now taken the world by storm. Women’s entrepreneurship is essential to fortifying them financially and accelerating economic progress. Globally, women view it as a means of achieving a better future; hence, it has been expanding quickly in recent years. A large number of women are effectively managing enterprises, and many more want to start their own. The changing landscape in Pakistan, characterized by the rise of incubators, accelerators, and increased funding opportunities, is creating conducive environment for the success of women entrepreneurs. Initiatives like Karandaaz, We-Fi, etc., and government-sponsored programs are crucial in building a supportive environment for businesses managed by women. The actions represent a significant shift in acknowledging and promoting the underutilized capabilities of women in the entrepreneurial field, leading to a new phase of empowerment and financial success.
Promoting Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion is crucial for empowering women, yet Pakistan faces significant gender disparity in this area. According to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2021 report, only 21% of adults in Pakistan are financially included, in contrast to the global average of 69%. Women, in particular, have lagged behind, as the gender disparity in financial inclusion persists significantly. Several initiatives have been launched to address this disparity, with one notable example being the unveiling of the “Banking on Equality Policy” by the State Bank of Pakistan. The policy aims to reach 20 million active women-owned accounts by 2030, demonstrating a dedication to closing the financial gender gap and promoting economic empowerment for women.
The State, renowned institutions, and other groups can collaborate for financial inclusion to help women manage their finances, invest where they want, and enhance their income. It may encompass financial services such as credit facilities, insurance accounts, etc., that are essential for economic sustainability.
Eliminating the Issues of Pay Scale
Decades have passed, but the world is still debating the issue of equal pay, whereas solutions for it do exist but are neglected. Many organizations hesitate to invest in female candidates due to the misconception that they may not be as productive as men because of fianancial responsibilities, maternal leaves, etc. As a result, some organizations choose not to hire or pay women equally. It is high time that corporations especially within Pakistan adapt to the idea of paying everyone equally, as it is a major aspect of economic empowerment. To emphasize its importance, you may look at the nations where it has become the norm and add to them having a fair system where women feel recognized and applauded for their achievements. 

Women play a crucial role in society, and their active participation is essential for the nation’s advancement and progress. Addressing the deficiencies in women’s empowerment and gender equality in Pakistan necessitates a comprehensive approach. Financial inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship are essential components for enabling women to actively engage and succeed in the future. Empowering women leads to economic growth and helps achieve gender equality. Let’s work together to create a future where every woman in Pakistan may fulfill her potential and make a substantial contribution to the nation’s success.

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