Employment Statistics : Only 28pc of women engineers are employed
A recent study conducted by Gallup Pakistan and PRIDE reveals a concerning employment situation for women engineering graduates in Pakistan. Data from the Labour Force Survey 2020-21 shows that approximately 70 percent of these graduates are either unemployed or have opted to withdraw from the labor force. These statistics not only affect individuals but also have broader implications for the Pakistan economy, as they highlight the underutilization of skilled women in the engineering sector. Encouraging gender equality and creating inclusive opportunities for women in technology-related fields is crucial for Pakistan's economic development.
Karobar
KARACHI: Recent research conducted jointly by Gallup Pakistan and PRIDE, using data from the Labour Force Survey 2020-21, has unveiled a concerning employment scenario for women engineering graduates in Pakistan. The study indicates that a significant portion of these talented individuals faces unemployment or withdrawal from the labor force.
According to the study, approximately 70 percent of women engineering graduates in Pakistan are either unemployed or have opted to remain out of the labor force. This disheartening figure sheds light on the challenges faced by women pursuing engineering careers in the country.
Total of 28,920 women engineering graduates, 20.9 percent were unemployed
When delving into the data, it is revealed that out of a total of 28,920 women engineering graduates, 20.9 percent were unemployed, while a staggering 50.9 percent chose to withdraw from the labor market. Only 28 percent of these qualified women were employed, signifying a significant underutilization of their skills and expertise.
Statistics and Regional Disparities
Further analysis of the data based on the employment status and regional distribution provides valuable insights. It was noted that 21.1 percent of all engineering graduates resided in rural areas, while the majority, which is 78.9 percent, were based in urban areas. In rural regions, 43.9 percent of engineering graduates were employed, while 36.3 percent remained unemployed.
Interestingly, the percentage of engineering graduates who remained out of the labor force in rural areas (19.8 percent) was significantly lower than the national average (50.9 percent). In urban areas, 24 percent of women engineering graduates were employed, while 16.8 percent faced unemployment. A considerable proportion, accounting for 59.2 percent, of women engineering graduates chose to stay out of the labor force in urban areas.
Looking into the demographics, the study found that slightly over 64 percent of women engineering graduates who opted to remain out of the labor force were married, while 28.4 percent were single. The data also revealed that the majority of women engineering graduates fell into the age bracket of 25-34 years (50.9 percent), followed by those aged 35-44 years (21.7 percent).
Impact on the Pakistan Economy
These employment statistics for women engineers are not only a concern for individuals but also have wider implications for the Pakistan economy. The underutilization of skilled women in the engineering workforce means that Pakistan may be missing out on valuable contributions to the field of technology and development.
This issue underscores the importance of promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive environment for women in the engineering sector. Encouragingly, initiatives to address this gender disparity and provide equal opportunities for women in technology-related fields are essential for Pakistan's economic growth.
