Voices of women

International Labour Day passed this year again with calls to increase women’s participation in the workforce. You! takes a look...

Like every year, this time too the International Labour Day was observed all over the globe on 1st of May with great enthusiasm. Huge rallies, conferences and conventions were organised to pay tribute to the workers who had sacrificed their lives in Chicago during their struggle to win their legitimate rights. It’s also an occasion for the workers to raise their voice against their ongoing exploitation by the employers and the failure of the respective states to ensure compliance of the existing labour laws.

In Pakistan as well the labour rights activists, trade unionists, NGOs were also quite active on Labour Day. They took part in processions and walks while holding placards and slogans in support of their demands. These included payment of decent wages; job security; to end bonded labour and exploitative contract system; coverage under social security schemes; clearly defined working hours and the list goes on. Amid all this show of solidarity and strength, it was felt that one important aspect did not get the attention it deserved and was a bit downplayed. This was about the low level of women participation in the workforce. Though there were representation of women workers in these congregations and walks, the stress mainly was on the generic labour issues and country’s labour laws.

Unfortunately in Pakistan, the women’s participation in labour force is one of the lowest in the region and of those employed, only a small fraction are working in the formal sector. Researchers and social scientists all over the world believe gender inequality is one of the most persistent, widespread, and pervasive forms of inequality across the globe. Also, the developed countries are trying to reduce gender disparity, especially in the world of work. The figures about women’s participation in the workforce are also quite alarming. Either there is very low employment rate among them or they are mostly employed on low-paying menial jobs. Besides, they are paid less than men for doing the same amount of work at various workplaces. At the same time, they are highly exploited by the middlemen who engage them to work from their homes.

Khalid Mahmood, Director, Labour Education Foundation (LEF) informs, “This issue has assumed immense importance over the years. A proof of this is that even the International Labour Organisation (ILO) prioritized the issue this year and came up with a report titled, ‘Towards a Better Future for Women and Work: Voices of Women and Men’, on March 8, the International Women’s Day. The report points out that the percentage of women employed in Pakistan and India remains among the lowest in Asia, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are faring better. But the percentage there is still below the global average of 52 per cent. The report states only 22 per cent and 25.8 per cent of women in Pakistan and India, respectively, are in paid employment. This number stands at 41 per cent in Bangladesh.”

Historically, the reasons narrated for women’s low participation in labour force have been their limited mobility, non-flexible working hours, perception of them being more of family personnel than professionals, non-conducive working environment, reluctance of family members to send them for work and so on.

“But a reason ignored altogether for long is the lack of modern employable skills among women,” stresses Ume Laila Azhar, Executive Director, Homenet Pakistan. According to Azhar, short of modern skills, these women mostly find jobs in selective sectors like garment stitching and packing year after year and find it hard to enter new fields. “Due to this shortcoming, women are not in a position to bargain for better terms and conditions with the employers. They are dispensable because the replacement for an unskilled worker is easily available,” she adds.

The fact is that the situation for women trying to enter the job market may worsen in the near future if this aspect is not taken care of.  A report titled ‘Future of Jobs’ states: “65 per cent of children entering primary schools today could ultimately end up working in completely new job types that do not yet exist. With more jobs expected to be created in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and IT, the gender gap in the workforce could widen since women tend to avoid STEM jobs and opt for office and administration, which are most vulnerable to displacement by robots.”

Another major reason why many women do not take up their professions seriously and agree to work on low salaries is that they have little control of what they earn. In a way, they work for others, and their salaries supplement the family income which is spent according to the priorities set by male members of the family.

Salman Abid, a development sector professional who has worked extensively for women’s rights shares, “It is the perception that women are not the primary bread earners in the family that makes employers discriminate between male and female employees. However, it should be the quality and volume of work a person performs that should determine his or her value in the job market.”

“A common experience is that women perform work with more concentration and focus because unlike men it is not easy for them to leave their office again and again during the working hours for personal work. From the time they come to office till they leave for home, they are seen working,” he adds.

It must be recalled that Pakistan has ratified the ILO conventions C100 on equal remuneration for men and women for doing the same amount of work. And C111 about ending discrimination in respect of employment on the basis including race or colour, sex, religion, political opinion, nationality etc.

Arooma Shahzad, President, Domestic Workers Union is of the view, “A major reason for low employment among women is lack of technical education. Women are also not very keen towards their career. Mostly females leave their jobs after marriage. Various factories and organizations also pressurize women to leave their jobs because they cannot afford paid maternity leaves.”

“80 per cent of Pakistani women cited household duties as one of the reason for non-participation in the work force. Employments in industry/organizations/departments/institutions are decreasing and they appoint females on some specific seats. Industries and organizations are reluctant to hire a female for administrative work,” she states.

According to Arooma, the need is to allocate more seats for females in technical education and courses and empower them by giving them organizing and leadership roles. “I believe more opportunities of employment should be given to women on merit basis. Also, it is mandatory to include women participation in organizational decision making,” she concludes.