Women’s Economic Participation and Empowerment: The Necessity for Pakistan’s Development and Growth

Studies show, and there is empirical evidence that proves that gender equality, which is the equal participation of men and women, in a rm helps achieve higher returns (greater revenue). World Bank economist Nauraiz Rana unravels the varying benets of increased women's participation in the workforce with esteemed Ms. Fauzia Vaqar the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace, Government of Pakistan. Ms. Vaqar brings decades of activism and experience in women's rights and human rights in Pakistan and globally to this position. Formerly she headed the Rah-Center for Management and Development. The two speakers engage in an insightful conversation on the contributions that the removal of gender discrimination could bring, such as promoting gender equality can encourage more women to start and lead their own businesses. Increasing women's entrepreneurship can drive innovation, create job opportunities, and foster economic growth. Studies have shown that gender-inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems can generate signicant economic and social benets, explains Nauraiz. Moreover, gender equality can expand markets and stimulate demand for goods and services. When women have equal access to resources and opportunities, they become active participants in economic activities, both as producers and consumers. This leads to increased consumer spending and opens up new market segments, thereby driving economic growth. From her experience as an advocate for women empowerment, Ms. Fauzia explains that the absence of women from socio-economic settings is not to be xed by greater designations of money or capital, but rather it is a problem that can be solved through greater coordination between government departments and the civil society. She argues that at large, in political and policy corridors, the ght for women's participation is actively welcomed and worked upon. However, Mr. Rana provides a compelling analysis of the lack of social responsibility and eorts to reduce gender pay gaps by private sector rms in Pakistan. The country’s corporate sector is way behind on the progress they should have made, explains Nauraiz. On the question of social benets provided by the state to Pakistani women, the Ombudsperson explained why she thinks that there is a need to delve deeper than just making benets more accessible or incorporating technological ease. She says that to truly shift the paradigm, we must look into the structural incapacities that hinder women’s accessibility to the economy, politics, and even their