SUMMARY of the article “Increasing Margins” by Arooj Waheed Dar, published on November 15, 2023
The economic challenges in Pakistan can be traced to factors such as exclusive institutions, limited equal opportunities, and a lack of entrepreneurship, particularly for women, leading to low productivity and economic growth. Gender disparity and financial exclusion persist, hindering women’s entrepreneurial potential. Statistics from the Labour Force Survey for 2020-21 reveal that only 2% of employers in Pakistan are women, and a substantial 60% of working women are contributing family workers. Limited education and vocational training options, coupled with cultural constraints affecting women’s mobility, contribute to the scarcity of decent work opportunities for women. The article emphasizes the need for policymakers to address gender disparities by focusing on digital and financial inclusion. Digitalization, by expanding women’s access to devices, internet, and digital literacy, can enable them to participate in economic activities from the safety of » Read More…