Brief

Mind the gap: Why women in Pakistan earn less than men and what we can do about it

Despite global efforts, women in Pakistan still earn 25 per cent less per hour than men, with disparities widening for older and lower-income workers. This policy brief highlights key barriers, including discrimination, weak compliance with labour laws, and wage inequalities in the informal economy. It also outlines potential solutions, such as gender-neutral job evaluations, minimum wage adjustments, and stronger labour law enforcement. By prioritizing these reforms, Pakistan can foster a fairer, more inclusive labour market and empower women to reach their full economic potential.