Arooj Zulfiqar

Pakistani women remain underrepresented in both the workforce and leadership in the tech industry needing increased participation, says Shujaat Farooq, Assistant Professor Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). Talking to WealthPK, he saidPakistan can boost its economy by creating more opportunities for women in the technology industry. According to the World Economic Forum 2021 report, only 17 percent of tech workers in Pakistan are women. This is a significant gap that needs to be addressed, it suggests. “The tech industry has been dominated by men, with women underrepresented in both the workforce and leadership. However,in recent years, there have been efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry, including greater participation by women. Women are often discouraged from pursuing careers in technology due to the societal norms,” said Shujaat. According to research by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, parents invest less in digital literacy for their daughters than their sons. The path to a tech career can be strewn with obstacles, especially in a society where women are still expected to prioritize the domestic responsibilities above all else. “It is time that female engagement in technology should increase in Pakistan, as thetech industry is expanding, with millions of new jobs likely to be created in the coming years.

Pakistan can boost its economy and create more opportunities for women by increasing female participation in the industry,” he added. “The tech industry can provide women with opportunities for empowerment and leadership. By working in tech, women can have a positive impact on society and help break down gender stereotypes. For example, women in tech can develop solutions to address the specific needs of women and girls,” said the PIDE academic. According to the Global Gender Gap report by the World Economic Forum, Pakistan ranks 153 out of 156 countries in terms of gender equality with significant gender gap in economic participation.Similarly, female labour force participation in Pakistan is 24% compared to 82% for men. In order to promote gender equality and civic engagement, women and girls must be provided with access to innovative, technological, and digital education that is gender-responsive, says the report. Concluding, he said, “To make the work force more inclusive, the marginalised communities need to be backed. Impediments like social discrimination, lack of access to and control over resources, limited educational opportunities,and little entrepreneurial orientation, which prevent the remote women entrepreneursand limit their growth opportunities to be successful entrepreneurs should be acknowledged and countered.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk