GENDER inequality is so pervasive that it will take a century to close the global gender gap at the current rate of change. This sobering piece of information, according to new research by the World Economic Forum, points to regression in global gender parity at work and in politics. The widening gap is attributed to deeply ingrained gender stereotypes halting progress for half the world`s talent pool. The Global Gender Gap Report, the WEF`s annual benchmarking exercise, states it will be another 217 years before women achieve economic parity more than the 170 years calculated in last year`s report. The reality that women are underrepresented and underpaid from the start of their careers, and that the gender gap is even wider in senior positions, is very evident in countries such as Pakistan. Measuring progress on the basis of economic, health, education and political indices in 144 countries, the gender gap index lists Pakistan at 143. Given that Pakistan`s position on the index has remained constant for two years, this shows increasing levels of discrimination against women. The report is a shameful reminder that women are second-class citizens because myopic policymakers have failed to eliminate the forces behind gender inequality; a plethora of anti-women practices limit society`s expectations of what women can or should do.

Depriving women of a voice, of their right to vote, of equal wages, of safe workplaces, etc has had detrimental sociopolitical and economic repercussions. Because gender imbalance has a vast bearing on growth and future economic readiness, policymakers should realise that the country`s economic engine is hugely dependent on women`s input. The closure of gender gaps should be linked to national policies addressing the lack of education and skills, cultural stereotypes, discrimination at work and the effects of unpaid care and family responsibilities. Also when women have a political voice, there are more chances of a just society with fewer human rights abuses. For instance, even in the more conservatives societies of Fata and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, innovative peace education ventures led by women have helped build social cohesion in some areas. Key to closing the gender gap is increasing female leadership because, as studies show, women hire and mentor female talent more so than male bosses. If more young women advance to the top despite the usual resistance earning the same money and respect as men, then, there`s a chance that the playing field will become level for everyone.