Adding another $30b to GDP

Pakistan has an enormous untapped resource to boost economic growth significantly. Its two key bases of foreign exchange earnings are exports and remittances. Each one contributes about $30 billion annually. Another source that can contribute an equivalent amount, as per a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, has received little attention. The untapped source is women’s empowerment. Pakistan currently ranks 145/156 in female economic participation and opportunity. Closing the gender gap can add another $30 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP). We have outstanding women leaders in Pakistan, but there is a general perception that they need to have the capability to perform in administrative and leadership positions. When women are given any position of responsibility, they perform much better than their male counterparts, confirming that this presumption is entirely inaccurate. For the sake of comparison, we can look at the current PDM cabinet, which has just a nominal representation of women. But these few women have made their mark and their contributions are acknowledged worldwide.