Women labor force participation in Pakistan: a survey

Abstract

Background: Pakistan has least growing economy in Asia; with semi-industrialized economy that backs on agriculture, industry and services. Although since 2005 the gross domestic product (GDP) has been growing an average 5 percent a year; which is not enough to keep up with fast population growth. One of the factor behind low economic growth is less female labor force participation. The present study was conducted to look for the reasons behind this low pace of participation from half part of the population.

Methodology: Present study has descriptive design as the sole purpose was to gain new insights of the phenomena. Survey was conducted using convenient sampling; comprising of 160 responses, since the respondents were selected because they were easily accessible to the researcher. No statistical test has been applied on the data, as this study is only representing the differences in responses.

Results: Results demonstrated that female youth of Pakistan is enthusiastic about being economically independent but due to social-cultural limitations and lack of support from government it would become difficult for them to achieve their goals. 

Conclusion: This study came up to the conclusion that women in Pakistan are motivated and ready to be part of labor force but due to socio-cultural hindrances they are failing to do so.