The gender gap in labour force participation (LFP) is not just an economic issue; it is a reflection of the broader societal challenges that women in Pakistan face. The World Bank reports that only 24.5% of women in Pakistan participate in the labour force, compared to 81.5% of men. This stark disparity places Pakistan among the countries with the lowest female LFP rates globally - representing millions of women whose potential contributions to the economy remain untapped. In this podcast, Zara Qaiser explores various factors contributing towards the gender gap in LFP in Pakistan and the future of Pakistan with such a gender gap in the next 1-2 years. In order to tackle issues such as low female LFP, it is equally important to redesign economic approaches in South Asia. Our second guest, Ayesha Shabir explores reasons why South Asia particularly requires economic policies tailored to its unique cultural and historical contexts as well as how macroeconomic events impact various individuals within households differently. The importance of community-based and bottom-up policy responses are also discussed with examples of how it can be achieved.

Speakers:
Zara Qaiser holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of London and a Master of Philosophy degree in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge. She has seven years of experience in the international development sector including conducting research and analysis, providing policy support to the government, and supporting the design and implementation of donor-funded projects in Pakistan, with organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme, International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her areas of expertise include gender and economic inclusion. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration at The George Washington University, specializing in gender and social policy.

Ayesha Sabir holds MSc in Development Management from the LSE, where she was a Commonwealth Scholar, and a BSc in Economics from Lahore University of Management Sciences. Her current titles are Research Analyst for the International Fund for Agricultural Development and Economist with the World Bank Group.

Student Host:
Ilsa Tariq is a recent MSc graduate in Development Managment at the LSE. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management from University of London, LSE. She is the first student and youngest board member to be selected as part of the University of London Board of Trustees (2023-26) and has been awarded the prestigious 'Freedom of the City of London' by the Rt. Hon. Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli. As a member of the selective postgraduate residence community, Goodenough College (WC1N2AB), Ilsa was elected as Deputy Chair and the London House Chair (2023-24). She was also selected to present a Loyal Address to King Charles II at Buckingham Palace as part of a niche delegation. As an advocate for girls' education, child rights, equal access to healthcare and Web 3.0, Ilsa possesses policymaking and research experience within the govt. Sector in Pakistan, worked in US-based start-ups and also serves as one of the Directors at her non-profit, 'Hamara Ghar Welfare Trust Center' - the largest all-girls orphanage in Islamabad, Pakistan.