Obstacles to professional development of highly qualified women in Pakistan

Pakistan is among the countries that are facing a stiff lack of highly-qualified labour force which is impeding its economic development. Since the country has a large number of highly qualified females with excellent academic records in different fields, the importance of labour force participation hence cannot be denied. Despite of the reality that girls and young women’s performance in schools, colleges and universities are undoubtedly admirable and outstanding (for example 70% of the students in medicine and 40% of those in economics are females) and girls and young women enrollment rate in primary schools, colleges and universities are also increasing day by day, labour female market participation continues to be very low. The reasons behind this reality are indecent job conditions, long distance travelling, irregular working hours, family reputation and social disapproval (cultural norms). Home responsibilities after marriage, pregnancy and child care prevent females to join labour market. Parent’s motivations to invest money in the education of their young girls are largely focused on their awareness and a marriage with educated and wealthy male. Under theses conditions the task of the government is to provide proper work environments and create awareness among people about the importance of female professional work.