Gender inequality is a burning issue in Pakistan. According to the survey conducted by World Economic Forum Pakistan ranked the second worst country in terms of gender equality and equable division of resources and opportunities among women, eight worst in terms of equal access to education and thirteen from the bottom in terms of health and survival. The survey was conducted in 136 countries across the globe.

The country’s bitter sex ratio of 108 men to 100 women is a reflection of higher female infant mortality and the overall more privileged treatment towards boys. The two areas that need to be checked to somewhat overcome are female literacy and female workforce participation.

Ironically the education spending is roughly 1% of the GDP that reflects a mere 44% literacy rate. No surprise, female literacy rate is 30% more or less. The minimal literacy qualifies to negligible female workforce participation hovers around 15% approx.

These alarming states of affairs have to be rectified in immediate effect.  Economic development of the country can be affected by means of female education.  Educated women have fewer children, child survival, better nutrition and health of their families, generate more income and more likely to send their girl child to school. That converts into a community of ingenious women contributor to our society.