SOCIAL inclusion is fundamental to attaining economic prosperity and sustainable

development. Progress is unlikely to be achieved unless each individual contributes

to society`s development. This is why gender-inclusive societies are safer and
healthier and ensure increased productivity and economic growth.

The UN`s Sustainable Development Goals have been designed to achieve prosperity for
all and protect the planet. These goals are interrelated and intersect. The slow
progress of one goal is likely to affect the other aims: for example, poverty (the
focus of Goal 1) induces hunger and malnutrition (the focus of Goal 2). This leads
to health issues and school dropouts (the focus of Goals 3 and 4). Similarly, all
SDGs depend upon the achievement of Goal5 that promotes gender equality, which is
indispensable to social well-being and national prosperity.

One of the major challenges in achieving gender equality by 2030 in Pakistan is the
lack of focus and investment in gender equality measures that can accelerate
progress. Male dominance in society has led to a perception that women are not
capable of making their own choices and leading their lives independently. Four key
areas can act as a catalyst to reduce inequalities if targeted and if effective
initiatives are introduced.

First, Pakistaniwomen`s control over productive assets and financial resources is

greatly limited.

They are excluded from the financial system considered central to poverty
alleviation and economic growth. A significant number of women lack formal
education, financial literacy, awareness, and skills to add value to their work or
develop tangible and intangible assets. Commercialbanks and non-banking financial
institutions can play a key role in reducing poverty if they are gender-inclusive.
Unfortunately, Pakistani women`s access to financial services is constrained by
socioeconomic and financial structures.

It is pertinent to note that women constitute more than half the unbanked
population in Pakistan, which deepens gender inequality and limits economic
opportunities for them. Economic participationandcontroloverproductiveresources
enable women to unlock their skills, improve their family`s well-being, ensure
development, and reduce poverty. Unfortunately, women`s economic participation in
Pakistan is one of the lowest in South Asia. Constraints in accessing resources and
services to develop their assets, such as credit,banking, land, and business, are
key obstacles to women`s economic inclusion.

Second, the prevalent social structure still tends to favour education for boys.
Even though girls` education can build families, communities, and economies,
greater gender disparities exist in education. Pakistan has the world`s second
largest number of out-of-school children, with distressing facts and figures
regarding girls` enrolment: about two million more girls are out of school than
boys and more girls (about 26 per cent) have never been to a school than boys
(about 17pc). With a significant rural-urban divide, female literacy rates in less-
privileged areas are also reflective of the socioeconomic and geographical
challenges that confront girls` education.

Educated women can achieve incredible heights, as investment in girls` education

has a transformative effect on communities. With even a fewyears of education,
women have improved prospects of economic opportunities, healthier children and a
better chance of ensuring that their own children go to school. A higher level of
schooling ensures informed choices and participation in decision-making.

Third, improved reproductive health and access to family planning is another area
of inclusion.
Women face multiple overlapping risk factors that result in poor health outcomes,
for instance, poverty, lack of education, and violence. South Asia has one of the
highest rates of child marriage 42pc with the highest rate of adolescent pregnancy.
South Asian women also have the shortest interval between marriage and the first
baby.

Although Pakistan has made some progress in controlling child marriage, the
practice is still common in the rural areas and is a barrier to the goal of
improving maternal and child health (MNCH).

Early marriage and maternity pose major healthchallenges to young girls who lack
education and awareness about reproductive and maternal health.

Early motherhood restricts young women from availing economic opportunities and
curtails their chances of accessing education thus pushing them further towards
marginalisation. No surprise then that MNCH indicators in Pakistan are poor with
high infant and child mortality rates. Higher investments in MNCH and increased
access to family planning will lessen women`s risk of unintended pregnancies and
high-risk abortions. It can also produce significant social and economic benefits
to women in terms of productivity and better social development.

Fourth, ordinary women in Pakistan still face barriers to inclusion in politics and
civic engagements. Women in Pakistan make up almost 50pc of the population, yet
they have very few senior, executive, and legislative roles, with limited civic and
political engagements. The Constitution makes no distinction between genders, and
Pakistani women, in the last two decades, have achieved notable representation in
both the provincial and national assemblies. Women politicians like Fatima Jinnah
and Benazir Bhutto established the foundation for women`s participation in
politics, but pursuing politics as a career is still not the norm for Pakistani
women.

Cultural norms and a patriarchal system resist women`s access to public spheres
thus discouraging their political empowerment. Studies show that increased
representation of women in politics guarantees greater investments in health and
education. Women in positions of authority are inclined to resolve social issues
and crises without violence and are more likely to address women`s interests.

Social inclusion is vital to sustainable development. It leads to gender equality

and addresses the most critical of social and economic issues. Poor social
indicators pertaining to gender undermine development and call for an urgent review
of policies for women`s empowerment. For achieving the SDGs, it is essential to put
them at the forefront.

Their enhanced participation in the socioeconomic and political mainstream is

central to advancing their issues on national forums and making their voices heard.
This eventually benefits all.