Pakistan Hits Lowest Rank on Global Gender Gap Index

Pakistan has recorded its worst-ever standing on the Global Gender Gap Index, ranking 148th among 148 nations assessed in 2025. Compiled by the World Economic Forum, the index measures gender disparities in economic participation, educational attainment, health, and political empowerment. This marks a continued decline from 142nd place in 2023, underscoring the persistent and widening gap between men and women in the country.

In South Asia, Bangladesh emerged as the top performer, securing 24th place despite political unrest, while India stood at 131st. Although Pakistan is not technically the most difficult place to be a woman—given that some countries, like Afghanistan, are excluded due to lack of data—the ranking paints a bleak picture of gender equality within its borders.

The situation for women in Pakistan varies significantly across regions, socioeconomic classes, and between rural and urban areas. Critics of the index argue that it focuses on relative gaps rather than absolute well-being, which can sometimes skew comparisons. Yet, in Pakistan’s case, the low ranking reflects both the scale of inequality and the overall poor state of women’s development. Female literacy remains below 30% for those aged 15 and above, and while men also face barriers to quality healthcare, women’s access is further undermined by early marriages, reproductive health neglect, and entrenched social norms.

Violence against women remains alarmingly high, with nearly 90% reporting experiences of domestic abuse. These realities, alongside unpaid and unacknowledged labor such as childcare and elder care, remain outside the scope of the index but profoundly impact women’s lives and economic potential. Women’s contributions to agriculture and informal work are similarly overlooked, despite their critical role in sustaining households and supply chains.

In the formal economy, women make up only about 23% of the workforce and earn 10–30% less than men for the same work. Experts argue that equal participation and pay could significantly boost Pakistan’s GDP, yet mobility restrictions, safety issues, and rigid social norms continue to deter women from joining or staying in the workforce.

Political representation remains limited. While women’s presence in parliament has seen a minor increase, the absence of any female ministers marks a setback in political empowerment. Without greater inclusion in governance, women’s ability to shape policies for healthcare, education, and economic participation will remain severely constrained.

Pakistan’s rock-bottom position on the Global Gender Gap Index serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms to empower women and bridge the entrenched divide that holds back both gender equality and national progress