Gender Equity in Pakistan:
“There is No Tool for Development More Effective Than the Empowerment of Women” says United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Though women constitute 49% of Pakistan’s population, they constitute only 24% of the labour force. According to some surveys, 60 percent of working women are either professionals, such as teachers and doctors, or unskilled labour. Barely 0.8 percent work in administrative and managerial positions and the Employment-to-Population Ratio (EPR) is 20% for female workers and 64% for male workers.
Taking these statistics into account, GIZ Pakistan has already taken some bold steps towards a more conducive working environment for female staff, for example by training all staff on GIZ’s policy against sexual harassment at the workplace and forming a Female Managers Group, which functions as a sounding board to the country management and advises on measures to increase the number of female employees in GIZ Pakistan. Through these initiatives, many colleagues have taken up the challenge to strengthen gender equality within the organization and change attitudes. Their commitment continues in the year 2020 with an initiative during the Gender Week.
Gender Inclusion Initiative:
Keeping in consideration all the stereotype barriers in women’s way to work and to create inclusive and gender equitable labour markets, core purpose of the initiative is to appreciate the struggle and hard work that women undergo to maintain a work-life balance, and how they gain confidence to be where they are. A one-day activity is planned to make the office more gender equitable. The proposed area will be decorated with a customized backdrop, placards and balloons matching the theme. The idea is to place soft boards where the visitors will place their own ideas (one visitor-one idea) while writing on cards. They will be well informed that their ideas should be based on how we can make our office more diverse and gender inclusive. The staff will be invited during different time slots to visit the area to avoid any hassle. The best idea will be awarded with a prize by a jury. The activity may give a sense of ownership and recognition that will pull the teams to brainstorm and give their best.
Expected Outcomes:
- Out of the box thinking
- Cutting gender stereotypes
- Think equal, build smart, innovate for change
- Women and Men united to end violence and sexual harassment at the workplace
- Advance gender equality and the empowerment of women
When? Thursday, 05.03.2020, 9:00AM – 13:30PM
Where? GIZ Heights, Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad
