Although Pakistani women's participation in different fields of national endeavour has increased significantly during the last two decades, for the vast majority social barriers and prejudices continue to hamper equal opportunities. No wonder a case study on "Gender Equality in Public Administration", jointly prepared by UN Development Programme and UN Women, says women in Pakistan face entrenched societal attitudes that stand in the way of their access to decision-making positions in public administration. It makes several recommendations to enhance the role of women in the civil services, including continued engagement at the societal level to change attitudes, especially those of men; and engagement with Parliament for a meaningful dialogue on translating the benefits of increased women's induction into the civil services, and even before that, to the so-called ex-cadre recruitment.
The problem with these suggestions is that most of those dominating the power structure, especially majority of parliamentarians, are not free either from anti-women prejudices that are deeply rooted in this semi-feudal culture. What can bring about more immediate and effective change for the better is the recommendation that calls for a well-defined "gender equality agenda" articulated and committed to by the government so that women in decision-making positions can use their influence to empower women in a more direct manner. Lest anyone thinks this could involve making compromises on the quality of officers it is worth noting that, as per the UN report's findings, Pakistan has reached parity between women and men at the tertiary education level. Every year as many women acquire bachelor's degree - basic requirement for entering civil services exams - as men. In fact, Pakistan is uniquely poised, according to the report, to share with other South Asian countries its experience of an increased critical mass necessary to form the base for equal participation of women in the public administration's decision-making processes.
The key to women's equality, however, is not only better representation in the civil services, but also attaining economic independence. On that score, there is some progress though far short of the desired goal. According to the UN report, women's participation in the workforce has increased by more than 50 percent over the last 15 years. Yet at present only one woman out of five is engaged in formal work, which means only 20 of the female population have stable jobs with set pays, though in most situations receiving unequally pay for equal work. This must change. A special responsibility in this regard lays on the shoulders of women legislators. To their credit during the recent years, crossing the partisan divide they have led passage of important laws protecting women against violence and harassment at the workplace. They also need to step up efforts to have the government adopt, and expeditiously implement, a well thought-out gender equality programme, with emphasis on equal employment opportunities.
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