Women’s labor force participation in Pakistan at 23%, ADB reports

April 09, 2025 (MLN): Women comprise almost half of Pakistan’s total working-age population, yet their labor force participation remained low at 23% in FY2021, according to a report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

This rate is below the South Asian average of 27% and the 35% average in lower-middle-income countries globally.

The report highlights that Pakistan's low female labor force participation results in significant loss of productivity, which limits potential economic growth and perpetuates gender inequality.

The report outlines several factors restricting women’s participation in the labor force, including limited access to quality education and vocational training, deep-rooted patriarchal social norms, and cultural constraints that discourage women from seeking employment outside the home.

Additionally, the lack of safe, accessible, and affordable transportation hampers women’s ability to commute to and from work, while high levels of poverty force many to prioritize unpaid domestic work over paid employment.

The report also points out that inadequate availability of affordable and reliable childcare makes it difficult for women to remain in the workforce after having children, according to the press release issued today.

Workplace discrimination, harassment, biases in hiring practices, and the lack of supportive policies for working women further deter them from entering and staying in the labor force.

The report calls for improving public transport, ensuring safe commuting options, and encouraging employers to provide transport services and affordable childcare facilities to help women balance work and family responsibilities.

In 2023, the government introduced the Women on Wheels program, offering 22,000 women in the public sector the opportunity to purchase scooters and motorcycles at discounted prices.

The report suggests expanding such initiatives and adding a rental option.

Another successful example is the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit project, which increased female public transport use from 2% in 2020 to 30% in 2024 and expanded women’s employment in the transport sector from almost none to over 10%.

The report recommends implementing similar transport projects in other large urban centers.

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