Ascertaining Impact Of Economic Conditions Of Pakistan On Women Working In Industrial Sector Of Karachi

Abstract

Economic conditions and economic policies are major factors influencing labour force participation rate, division of labour, conditions of work and overall impact on the society. In Pakistan, women participation in productive activities have increased due to globalization, increasing ratio of education, international and national commitments to reduce gender discrimination and poverty but the quality of work conditions and change in status and position of women needs consideration. This research shows that ratio of female labour force participation in industrial sector of Karachi has not shown significant increase, conditions of work has not improved, yet more and more women are pushed into the workforce due to poverty. Further, the analysis of secondary data of selected indicators shows less improvement in macroeconomic conditions creating a difficult economic situation for general population and women in particular. A gender analysis of selected macroeconomic indicators shows that the economic policies adopted in 1980s and onwards lead to weak economy there by leading to increase in poverty and stagnation of employment opportunities for women in industries. Further it suggests for conscious efforts to adopt policies focusing not only on increase of women in paid jobs but improved work conditions there by leading to empowerment of women.