Pakistan at the Bottom of the Gender Gap Index 2025: A Wake-Up Call!

Pakistan at the Bottom of the Gender Gap Index: A Wake-Up Call for Urgent Structural Reform..

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranks Pakistan at 148th out of 148 countries, placing us at the bottom of the global index. This is not just disappointing, it is alarming. Over the past five years, Pakistan has consistently remained among the lowest-ranked nations in gender parity:

2021: 153rd out of 156

2022: 145th out of 146

2023: 142nd out of 146

2024: 146th out of 146

2025: 148th out of 148

This continued decline highlights deep-rooted challenges faced by women across economic participation, education, health access, and political inclusion. Despite making up nearly 49.2 percent of the population, less than 22 percent of women are part of the formal workforce. The gender pay gap remains over 34 percent, and workplace harassment continues to push qualified women out of employment. Only 2.2 percent of women hold leadership roles in the private sector, while political and institutional representation remains minimal.

The Ministry of Women Development must take immediate, transformative action. Based on my experience in public sector leadership and advocacy, I strongly recommend the following steps:

1. Enforce Gender Pay Transparency Mandate public and private organizations to publish gender-wise salary data. Reward companies practicing equity and penalize wage discrimination.

2. Strengthen Workplace Harassment Systems Ensure every institution has a functioning internal complaints committee, trained female members, and accessible anonymous reporting channels.

3. Introduce Safe and Subsidized Women-Only Public Transport Develop safe and affordable transport options for women in major cities with real-time tracking and helpline support.

4. Enforce Minimum 33 Percent Women Representation Implement quotas not only in political bodies but also in public sector boards, academic institutions, and leadership positions across all sectors.

5. Promote Education Continuity and Digital Skills Launch targeted scholarships for school retention among girls, especially in rural areas, and establish digital literacy hubs for women.

Pakistan cannot afford to ignore its women. Gender equality must be treated as a cornerstone of national progress, not a peripheral issue. The time for talk is over. We need bold policies, strong political will, and collective action to unlock the full potential of Pakistan. #gendergap #womendevelopment #Pakistan #women #roleofwomen #advocate

By Anum Shakeel – Media and Communications Lead, SICHN | Women Development Advocate