Gender gap in Pakistan: a socio-demographic analysis

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a descriptive analysis of socio-demographic bases of gender gap in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach - The paper analyzes various aspects of gender gap (gender inequalities) in Pakistan. The analysis is based on the secondary data drawn from reports published by several governmental, international development agencies, and local non-governmental organizations. The analysis is descriptive in nature and interprets certain social and demographic data to ascertain the states of affairs about the prevailing social conditions relating to gender inequalities in Pakistan. Besides review of literature, the paper focuses on sectoral discussion of gender gap in population, health, education, political, and economic empowerment. In light of the secondary data analysis, suggestions to improve the current gender inequalities and possible recommendations to improve the current gender inequalities in Pakistan are also given. Findings - The paper demonstrates that there are significant socio-demographic and cultural factors, due to which gender gap persists in Pakistani society. Research limitations/implications - The current analysis is based on secondary and published data and, therefore lacks empirical reliability. However, published quantitative data reveal certain social characteristics of gender gap. Originality/value - The paper provides a descriptive cultural analysis of gender inequalities.