A recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that women in wage employment in Pakistan are paid less than their male counterparts, with a gender pay gap of 25% based on hourly wages and 30% based on monthly wages.
The gender pay gap in Pakistan is notably higher compared to the global average for lower-middle-income countries, where the gap stands at 21% based on monthly wages and 17% based on hourly wages.
The report also underscores that women’s participation in the workforce remains low. In 2021, women’s employment rate stood at just 23%, compared to 79% for men, reflecting a gender gap of 56 percentage points. This gap is larger than in other South Asian countries.
Additionally, the report reveals that women make up only 13.5% of Pakistan’s workforce.
Interestingly, women in wage employment are more likely to have higher levels of education and are more likely to work in the public sector, formal jobs, and larger firms with permanent contracts. However, despite these advantages, they continue to face substantial wage disparities compared to men.
During the launch of the ‘Pakistan Gender Pay Gap Report 2025’, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary, Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring equal pay for equal work. He noted that the report and its action plan are essential for addressing the challenges that prevent women from fully participating in the economy.
ILO Country Director Geir Tonstol highlighted the importance of moving from promises to actions, reaffirming the ILO’s support for Pakistan in improving wage-setting systems, formalizing informal work, and creating equal opportunities for women across all sectors.
