Gender dimensions of demographic change in Pakistan

Abstract

Pursuant to the principles of achieving gender equality in different spheres of life, this paper examines how the changing demographic and socio-economic conditions have improved men's and women's situation in Pakistan, and in what way women have contributed to such changes. The analysis has shown that gender inequities still persist in various demographic and social indicators and women have gained disproportionately from the development process. However, the change has been experienced mostly by urban residents, whereas rural population, representing the majority, lag much behind and add to the continuation of gender imbalances in social and economic aspects. This suggests that Pakistan needs to go a long way to turn things around for achieving a balanced and sustainable development scenario.