The World Economic Forum's latest "Global Gender Gap Report" suggests achieving gender parity is a more distance dream than its earlier guesstimate. While women worldwide are closing the gap in such critical areas as health and education, notes the report, a significant general inequality not only persists in the workforce and politics, it is shifting into reverse. Previously, WEF had reckoned it would take 170 years to close the gap, the new report now says it will be another 217 years before that goal is achieved. For Pakistan, the prognosis is particularly dark as it ranks 143 out of 144 countries in the gender inequality index. Aimed at tracking gaps on critical indicators so that countries may set priorities within their own economic political and cultural contexts, the index points out that the potential role models are the countries that - within their region or income group - are leaders in distributing resources more equitably between women and men, regardless of the overall level of available resources.

In countries like Pakistan, a vast talent pool that can play a crucial role in social progress and economic development remains vastly underutilized. Although there has been a significant progress on education, it is not leading to gains for women in equivalent earning opportunities, economic independence and leadership. As a matter of fact, all these factors are interlinked; economic independence is the key to gender equality. The way forward is to make a determined effort to induct more and more women in the workforce in leadership positions. The WEF data shows when women are better represented in leadership roles more and more women are hired across the board. Some in such positions consciously hire women within their organisation, others are attracted to companies they see as offering greater opportunities for advancement or mentorship. This, the report found, holds true even when considering disparities in the size of female talent pools across industries.

As regards politics, in this country the political parties need to review the present mode of representation of women on reserved seats. Most of them get 'selected' for these seats on the basis of being related to influential male politicians or personal connection rather than merit. Genuine activists largely remain ignored. As a result, the ones who make it to the assemblies are not accorded due respect by fellow legislators, and the quality of representation is poor, too. It is imperative, therefore, the political parties allocate a sizeable number of party tickets to their female members so they fight and win elections like their male colleagues. Women who participate in the electoral process in this way can make a lot of difference in bridging the gender inequality gap. It is hoped those in policymaking positions will take a serious notice of the WEF report and set the national priorities right, putting the country on the path of inclusive economic growth and competitiveness.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017