Global rankings have delivered a wake-up call for Pakistan: it ranks lowest worldwide in women’s share of management posts, with barely 8 percent representation. This alarming data spotlights systemic failures in fostering gender-balanced leadership.
Delving deeper, the numbers reflect longstanding societal attitudes where women’s roles are traditionally confined to the domestic sphere. Urban areas show slight improvements, but rural regions, home to most Pakistanis, remain starkly unequal. Education gaps compound the problem, with fewer women pursuing STEM fields essential for high-level jobs.
Corporate Pakistan’s resistance to change is evident in sparse women-only networks and inadequate anti-harassment measures. The ripple effects extend to the economy, where untapped female potential translates to lost GDP growth. Comparative studies show nations investing in women leaders enjoy higher employee retention and creativity.
Government efforts, including the ‘Women on Boards’ initiative, have yielded limited results due to poor enforcement. Advocacy groups urge multinational corporations to lead by example, setting higher internal standards. Personal accounts from female executives reveal battles against glass ceilings and ‘bro culture’.
The path forward requires multifaceted strategies: from revamping curricula to promote girls’ leadership to incentivizing companies via tax breaks. Pakistan’s youth bulge offers opportunity—if harnessed inclusively, it could propel the country upward. Ignoring this crisis invites stagnation; embracing change promises prosperity.