ISLAMABAD: Only one in four women in Pakistan is involved in the nation’s labor force despite a 50 percent increase in women’s participation rates over the past 15 years, a United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN Women) survey found.
UN Women and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the findings of a study into women’s representation and access to decision-making roles in the civil service on Friday. The survey was carried out under UNDP’s global Gender Equality in Public Administration (GEPA) initiative.
The GEPA study was one of 15 in-depth surveys conducted around the world with UNDP support and using methodology developed in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The study found that social barriers still limit women’s representation and advancement in the civil service in Pakistan. With promotions based on years in service, gender stereotyping and social norms, women tend to be concentrated mainly in entry-level positions.
The UNDP’s Pakistan deputy director, Naoko Takasu, said: “It is commendable that women’s labor force participation in Pakistan has increased by 50 percent in the past 15 years. However, only one in four women participates in the labor force, meaning that there is a treasure trove of talent that is not utilized. As one of the largest employers in the country, the public sector is an important entry point for women.
“Enhancing women’s role in leadership and decision-making will have an immense impact on gender equality and on Pakistan’s development goals,” she said.
UN Women country representative Jamshed Kazi said: “Pakistan is committed to achieving a 30 percent representation of women in leadership positions. This study shows that to achieve this, action is needed to address the barriers they face.”
Public sector barriers hinder Pakistani women, survey shows
Public sector barriers hinder Pakistani women, survey shows
Pakistan urges UN Security Council to sanction separatist BLA group after recent attacks
- Separatist BLA launched attacks in multiple Balochistan cities last week, killing over 50 as per official figures
- Pakistan envoy says since Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan, BLA, other militant groups have a “new lease of life“
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Iftikhar Ahmed this week urged the Security Council to impose sanctions against the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militant group and designate it as a “terrorist” group, after its recent coordinated attacks in southwestern Balochistan province.
Pakistan’s military said on Thursday it has concluded security operations in Balochistan against separatists that was launched since Jan. 29, killing 216 militants. The military launched counteroffensive operations in Balochistan after the BLA said it launched coordinated attacks in several parts of the province last Friday and Saturday.
The attacks killed 36 civilians and 22 law enforcement and security forces personnel, Pakistan’s military said. Pakistan’s government has accused India of being involved in the attacks, charges that New Delhi has dismissed.
“We hope the Council will act swiftly to designate BLA under the 1267 sanctions regime acceding to the listing request that is currently under consideration,” Iftikhar said on Wednesday during a UNSC briefing on the topic ‘Threats to International Peace and Security caused by Terrorist Acts.’
The 1267 sanctions regime is a UNSC program that seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and entities associated with “terrorism.”
The regime seeks to impose travel bans, freeze assets and impose an arms embargo on individuals and groups primarily associated with Al-Qaeda or the Taliban.
Ahmad said that after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, “externally sponsored and foreign-funded proxy terrorist groups” such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the BLA have got a “new lease of life.”
“Operating with virtual impunity from Afghan soil and with the active support of our eastern neighbor, these groups are responsible for heinous terrorist attacks inside Pakistan,” he said.
The Pakistani envoy said it has become imperative to prevent billions of dollars of sophisticated weapons and equipment, which were left behind by foreign forces in Afghanistan, “from falling into the hands of terrorists.”
“There must be accountability of external destabilizing actors who support, finance and arm these groups, including their proxies in Afghanistan,” Ahmad said in a veiled reference to India.
Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, mineral-rich Balochistan borders Iran and Afghanistan and is home to China’s investment in the Gwadar deep-water port and other projects.
Balochistan has been the site of a decades-long insurgency led by ethnic Baloch separatists seeking greater autonomy and a larger share of its natural resources.
They accuse the state of denying locals a fair share of the province’s mineral wealth, charges that are denied by the Pakistani government.
