Bridging Rural Gender Gap in Pakistan

Gender inequality remains one of the most pervasive and persistent barriers to sustainable development worldwide. In Pakistan, this issue is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where women face significant challenges that hinder their full participation in economic, social, and political life. These challenges include limited access to education, healthcare, land, and financial services, compounded by deeply rooted social and cultural norms that restrict their opportunities for personal and economic growth. Rural women play a crucial role in agriculture, livestock management, and household responsibilities, yet their contributions are often undervalued, and they receive little to no financial compensation for their labor. Bridging the rural gender gap is not only essential for achieving gender equality but also for accelerating broader economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability in Pakistan.

One of the key barriers rural women face is restricted access to education. High dropout rates, early marriages, and a lack of educational infrastructure prevent many girls from completing even primary schooling. This lack of education limits their employment prospects, economic independence, and decision-making power within their households and communities. Additionally, poor healthcare services disproportionately affect rural women, with high maternal mortality rates, malnutrition, and limited access to reproductive healthcare contributing to overall gender disparities.

Economic constraints further widen the gender gap. Women in rural Pakistan have limited access to land ownership, agricultural inputs, and credit facilities. Traditional inheritance practices often exclude women from property rights, leaving them economically dependent on male family members. Moreover, a lack of gender-sensitive governance and policies means that rural women's voices remain largely unheard in decision-making processes.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding education opportunities, ensuring access to healthcare and financial resources, promoting gender-inclusive policies, and challenging societal norms that reinforce discrimination. Empowering rural women is not just a matter of equity—it is essential for Pakistan’s sustainable development and economic growth.

The Rural Gender Gap in Pakistan: An Overview

In Pakistan, the rural gender gap refers to the disparities between men and women in access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power. These disparities manifest in areas such as income generation, healthcare, education, land ownership, and political participation. Rural women in Pakistan are often more disadvantaged than their urban counterparts, and their contributions to agriculture and the economy are frequently undervalued.

Globally, women in rural areas account for nearly 43% of the agricultural labor force, and in Pakistan, this figure is even higher. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, women constitute approximately 70% of the agricultural workforce in rural areas, playing a critical role in food production and rural economies. However, despite their significant contributions, rural women in Pakistan face systemic barriers, including limited access to land, credit, and extension services, which restrict their ability to enhance agricultural productivity and improve their livelihoods.

Bridging the rural gender gap is crucial for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Empowering rural women in Pakistan is not only a matter of justice but also a key to unlocking the potential of rural communities and fostering broader societal and economic development.

Challenges Faced by Rural Women in Pakistan

One of the primary barriers to gender equality in rural Pakistan is limited access to education. According to UNESCO, Pakistan has one of the highest gender gaps in education globally, with only 13% of rural women having completed secondary education compared to 47% of rural men. Despite government efforts to improve female literacy, socio-cultural barriers such as early marriages, conservative gender norms, and the expectation that girls will prioritize household chores prevent many from attending school. The Economic Survey of Pakistan (2022) indicates that nearly 53% of girls in rural areas drop out before reaching secondary school, significantly reducing their chances of economic independence. Lack of education leads to limited employment opportunities, reinforcing poverty cycles and restricting women’s contributions to the economy.

Rural women also face significant healthcare challenges, particularly concerning maternal and reproductive health. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS), the maternal mortality ratio in rural areas is 319 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 140 in urban areas. A shortage of female healthcare professionals, inadequate medical infrastructure, and restricted mobility due to cultural constraints leave many women without access to essential healthcare. Additionally, only 34% of rural women use modern contraceptive methods, limiting their ability to make informed reproductive choices. Malnutrition remains another critical issue, with 45% of rural women suffering from anemia, affecting their overall health and productivity.

Economic disparities further widen gender inequality in rural Pakistan. Despite comprising nearly 65% of the agricultural workforce, rural women rarely receive financial compensation for their labor, as their contributions are often seen as an extension of household duties. Only 3% of rural women own land, despite their critical role in farming. Legal and social barriers, including male-dominated inheritance practices, restrict women from securing land rights, making it difficult for them to access agricultural subsidies or credit. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, only 7% of rural women have access to formal financial services. Without financial independence, rural women struggle to invest in businesses, expand agricultural activities, or improve their living conditions.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a widespread issue in rural Pakistan, with over 90% of women experiencing some form of domestic abuse, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. Practices such as honor killings, forced marriages, and restrictions on women's mobility further undermine their rights. Due to a lack of awareness and limited access to legal support, many women do not report violence, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity. Social stigmas surrounding GBV also discourage victims from seeking help.

The Importance of Bridging the Rural Gender Gap in Pakistan

Bridging the rural gender gap in Pakistan is not just a matter of equity but a crucial step toward economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. According to the World Bank, increasing women's labor force participation could add nearly $60 billion to Pakistan’s GDP by 2025. Rural women contribute significantly to agriculture, comprising nearly 65% of the sector’s workforce. However, due to a lack of education, land ownership, and access to financial services, their productivity remains constrained. Providing them with training, resources, and fair wages could enhance agricultural output and household income, reducing poverty across rural communities.

Research shows that when women have control over household resources, they prioritize spending on children’s education, nutrition, and healthcare. In Pakistan, households where women manage finances see a 20% increase in child school enrollment rates. Improved female financial empowerment could significantly reduce child malnutrition, which currently affects 40% of rural children under five. Access to better healthcare services for rural women, including maternal health facilities, could lower the maternal mortality ratio of 319 deaths per 100,000 live births and improve overall family well-being.

Environmental sustainability is another key reason for bridging the gender gap. Rural women in Pakistan play a crucial role in managing natural resources and practicing sustainable farming. Studies indicate that providing women with access to modern agricultural techniques could increase farm yields by up to 30%. By incorporating women into climate adaptation strategies, Pakistan can improve food security and resilience against climate change.

Strengthening women’s participation in political and social decision-making is equally important. Despite women comprising nearly 49% of Pakistan’s population, their representation in rural governance remains minimal.

Strategies for Bridging the Rural Gender Gap in Pakistan

Bridging the rural gender gap in Pakistan requires practical, well-structured strategies to empower women and integrate them into economic and social progress.

Investing in education and vocational training is essential. The government should remove barriers such as school fees, lack of transportation, and safety concerns that prevent girls from attending school. Establishing more girls' schools in rural areas and providing scholarships for higher education can boost female literacy rates. Additionally, vocational training centers focusing on agriculture, handicrafts, digital skills, and entrepreneurship should be expanded, equipping rural women with practical skills to enter the workforce and start businesses.

Strengthening women’s land and property rights is another crucial step. Despite legal provisions, social norms often prevent women from inheriting land. The government should launch awareness campaigns about women's inheritance rights and ensure strict enforcement of property laws. Women should also be given access to land ownership programs, agricultural subsidies, and farming technology to enhance productivity. Local authorities can play a role in ensuring that land inheritance disputes are resolved fairly in favor of rightful female heirs.

Expanding access to financial resources can significantly boost women's economic participation. Microfinance institutions should introduce women-friendly loan schemes with lower interest rates and flexible repayment options. Rural banks and financial literacy programs should actively engage women in understanding savings, investments, and credit management. Digital banking and mobile payment solutions should be promoted to give rural women greater financial independence.

Addressing gender-based violence is critical for empowering rural women. The government must increase investment in women’s protection centers, legal aid services, and helplines for survivors. Community programs should raise awareness about domestic violence laws, and local law enforcement agencies must ensure stricter punishment for perpetrators. Additionally, engaging men and community leaders in gender equality initiatives can help shift cultural attitudes and create safer environments for women.

Conclusion

Bridging the rural gender gap in Pakistan is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and social progress. Rural women form the backbone of the agricultural sector and play a crucial role in household well-being, yet systemic barriers prevent them from reaching their full potential. By addressing challenges related to education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and land ownership, Pakistan can unlock a vast, untapped economic and social resource.

Investing in education and vocational training for rural women will equip them with skills needed for economic independence, while improved healthcare access will enhance overall community well-being. Strengthening women’s land and property rights, coupled with financial empowerment through microfinance and digital banking, can create pathways for sustainable economic development. Moreover, eliminating gender-based violence and ensuring women's participation in governance will lead to more inclusive policies that reflect their needs and aspirations.

Empowering rural women is not just about ensuring fairness; it is a catalyst for national progress. When women thrive, families prosper, communities flourish, and economies grow. Pakistan must take bold steps to bridge the gender gap, ensuring a future where rural women contribute as equal partners in building a stronger, more resilient nation.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Syeda Hira Batool is affiliated with the Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

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