akistan is the world’s 5^th most populated country, with a population of over 230 million people. Women account for 49.2 percent of the population, or more than 113 million people. In Pakistan, most women live in rural areas; it is believed that half of the country’s female population (60 million) lives in rural areas.

Women in rural areas are mostly involved in agricultural activities and are usually unpaid. Because women typically perform manual labour on farms or with livestock, they are frequently denied the opportunity to master another skill.

As a result of their unpaid job, they are frequently financially dependent on other family members. They are vulnerable even when they are working, but if they stop working due to a health condition or because they get old, their vulnerability increases.

Rural women are also involved in informal home-based work. They produce a vast range of products which have a high demand and are well known both in domestic and global markets. This includes making embroidered apparel, craft production, stitching footballs, shoes, bangle making and carpet weaving.

It is estimated that around 8 million women in Pakistan are home based informal workers. The ratio of informal women workers in rural areas is higher as compared to urban areas. These women do not earn a fair price for their abilities and work since they do not have direct access to the market. The middleman reaps big profits; and the middleman is frequently dealt with on behalf of the women by male family members.

This makes women more vulnerable. They are frequently denied the income they deserve. Furthermore, they are generally unrecognised and undocumented as contributors. Women are more vulnerable in jobs where there is no formal contract and no job security. Poor working conditions, a lack of facilities, low earnings, late or no payments are all examples of this.

Considering the existing ratio, it appears that by 2050, Pakistan would have roughly 200 million women, with the number of older women increasing proportionally. Therefore, now is a critical time to develop, and execute policies and initiatives aimed at empowering women economically.

Numerous measures can be taken to support these women in having sustainable and decent work. If women already have skills, they can be empowered to be self-employed, reducing their vulnerability and misery. This is where information technology and digitisation come into play.

It is important to enable women to use digital equipment and tools to have a better access to market. Women can have their own bank accounts and can be trained to use online banking tools, so that they can receive the funds without the need for a middleman. This access to digital technologies and banking services will breathe a new life into rural women’s economic activity.

With some help from the government, we may see an increase in female entrepreneurs and leaders in a variety of service industries. This will empower women, reduce poverty and improve the life of women and their families.

This will also reduce women’s dependency on other family members. Instead, they will be actively contributing to the family’s income, and their quality of life will improve. In the long run, this will also empower women in their later years, as once the businesses are established and functioning, older women would be able to benefit from them.

The lives of older women in rural areas are typically unstable. They are often reliant on their children. Rising unemployment and inflation are making it more difficult for families to care for elderly relatives. This is causing increased stress and anxiety.

Pakistan is one of just 15 countries in the world with a population of more than 10 million persons over the age of 60 and above. Given its population of 16 million older persons, it is expected that by 2050, the population of older people in the country will increase to 45 million.

Empowering women with digital technology, tools, and electronic financial services will benefit them and their families not only in their younger years, but also in their later years. Pakistan’s population is predicted to reach 400 million by 2050.

Considering the existing ratio, it appears that by 2050, Pakistan will have 200 million women. The number of older women will increase accordingly. Therefore, now is a critical time to develop and execute policies and initiatives aimed at empowering women economically.

The writer is a communications specialist and a freelance writer. He is based in Rawalpindi and can be reached at qureshiwaqas@gmail.com. He tweets @qureshiwaqasA