‘Educating, empowering women can help double GDP of Pakistan’

Despite comprising 50 per cent of the population, Pakistan’s women make up less than 25 per cent of the national workforce, but if more women are educated, trained and empowered, the country’s $376 billion GDP can be doubled within a decade.

Syed Azfar Ahsan, former chairman of the Board of Investment, made these remarks on Saturday at the Working Women Welfare Trust’s (WWWT) fundraiser, where over Rs20 million was donated or pledged by local philanthropists and expatriates.

The funds are intended to support a new vocational training centre in Karachi that would focus on equipping women with technical skills, enabling them to enter the workforce and achieve financial independence.

“Women in neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh play an instrumental role in economic development. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, despite making up 50 per cent of the population, less than 25 per cent of the women are part of the workforce,” Ahsan remarked.

He emphasised the importance of empowering women through education and skills training to leverage Pakistan’s youth-dominated demographic. He stressed that with nearly 67 per cent of the population under 30, and about 28 million children out of school, this growing population can either become an asset or a liability, depending on the level of investment in education and training.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s education system is severely lacking, particularly for girls. “Our real challenge is not merely economic — it’s the millions of children who are out of school.”

He also emphasised that Pakistan’s future depends on long-term policies and initiatives similar to those implemented in India, where investing in education and women’s empowerment has contributed to economic growth.

The modern vocational training centre for which funds were raised at the event will train women in skills that can immediately translate into jobs or self-employment, enabling them to support themselves and their families with dignity.

The event also featured a charity auction of paintings and artworks created by female artists from Karachi and other areas of Sindh, including Larkana, Sukkur and Dadu. The funds from these sales further contributed to the fundraising total.

Syed Jamshed Ahmed, social worker and WWWT advisory board member, stressed that the organisation is committed to training around 100,000 women by the end of the year, with the goal of 500,000 women over the next five years.

“By 2025, we aim to add a million trained and empowered women to the national workforce who will actively contribute to Pakistan’s economy,” Ahmed said, noting that such efforts are essential to counter the prevalent atmosphere of pessimism in the country.

“At the WWWT, we believe in empowering women with skills so they can become financially independent, creating a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities.”

He maintained that the organisation’s Hunar Banae Zindagi (skill builds life) initiative focuses on helping women from impoverished households build online businesses, providing a sustainable income source without dependence on male household members. A critical aspect of empowering women in the workforce is creating supportive work environments, he said.

He emphasised the lack of essential facilities in workplaces for women, such as baby care areas, flexible work options and remote work opportunities. He also highlighted the need for career guidance for young girls, enabling them to make informed decisions about their professional paths.

Healthcare professionals at the event also discussed the pressing health issues affecting women. “Our society does not fully realise that the health of a woman, especially her nutritional status, impacts not only her productivity but also the health of her children and family,” said Dr Farhan Essa, philanthropist and healthcare expert.

Dr Essa noted that many women suffer from iron and vitamin D deficiencies due to lack of awareness and resources. “Most families are unaware of the basic nutritional needs of women, which contributes to an ongoing cycle of poor health and limited productivity.”

Notable personalities from various fields, including WWWT Vice President Rehana Afroze, former State Bank deputy governor Qazi Abdul Muqtadar and pulmonologist Dr Musawir Ansari, voiced their support for increasing women’s participation in the workforce.