By: Asim Nawaz
ISLAMABAD: A recent survey report by Gallup Pakistan Big Data Analysis of the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2022 has shed light on significant gender disparities in female participation within Pakistani firms. The findings, which also draw comparisons to South Asia and global trends, highlight the need for increased efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace. Here are the key insights from the survey:
1. Female Participation in Employment, Top Management, and Ownership
The survey reveals a stark contrast between female representation in ownership, top management, and employment across Pakistan, South Asia, and the world. For every firm in Pakistan with a female owner, there are approximately three in South Asia (14%) and around five globally (32%) with some form of female participation in ownership. In terms of female top managers and full-time workers, only 3% of Pakistani firms have women in these positions, compared to 10% of South Asian firms and 32% globally. These figures underscore the urgent need for fostering more gender-inclusive workplaces in Pakistan.
2. Female Participation in Ownership vs. Majority Female Ownership
Interestingly, the survey highlights a significant disparity between firms with some female participation in ownership and those with a majority female ownership. In Pakistan, a mere 2% of firms have majority female ownership, whereas the global figure stands at 14%, and South Asia records 9%. This indicates that while female participation in ownership exists, it is not yet reaching the levels of majority representation. The data suggest that both Pakistan and the global community have a long way to go in achieving gender parity in ownership.
3. Female Participation in Employment – Production and Non-Production
The survey uncovers a discrepancy in the employment of women in production and non-production roles within the manufacturing sector. Pakistani manufacturing firms have a higher proportion of women employed in non-production roles compared to production roles. For every female production worker in Pakistani manufacturing firms, there are four in South Asia and over five globally. In Pakistan, only 4% of the workforce consists of females in production roles and 5% in non-production roles. This figure is significantly higher for South Asia as a whole, reaching 20%. The global proportion of women in permanent full-time roles decreases in production roles, while Pakistan experiences a minor decline of only 1%.
While the survey primarily focuses on manufacturing, retail, IT, and the hospitality industry, excluding sectors such as agriculture, fishing, public administration, education, and health, it is important to acknowledge that Pakistan’s workforce is heavily influenced by agriculture and informal industries. However, the alarmingly low rates of female participation in the surveyed firms, both in comparison to the region and the world, raise concerns among policymakers and governing bodies.
The survey findings highlight the pressing need for concerted efforts to enhance female representation, promote gender equality, and create more inclusive work environments across Pakistani firms. It is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to address these disparities and enact meaningful changes to ensure equal opportunities and empowerment for all.