Adil Haider Baloch
Pakistan’s education crisis is not gender-neutral. It disproportionately affects women and girls, and the cost is national. Female literacy stands at 53%, compared to 70% for males, according to the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Survey 2019–20. As a result, Pakistan continues to fall short of its development goals. Unless this gap is addressed urgently, progress in economic growth, social stability, and human development will remain limited.
Why Female Literacy Remains Low
Several factors continue to suppress female literacy in Pakistan. First, deep-rooted socio-cultural norms discourage girls’ education. In many rural and conservative communities, families still view schooling for girls as optional. Boys are seen as future earners, while girls are expected to manage households. Moreover, selective interpretations of religion reinforce these beliefs, despite Islam’s emphasis on education for all.
In addition, security concerns have weakened confidence in girls’ schooling. The 2012 attack on Malala Yousafzai created fear among already hesitant families. As a result, many parents chose to keep their daughters at home.
Economic pressure further worsens the situation. When household income is limited, families prioritise sons’ education. Girls are often pushed into domestic work or early marriage. According to UNICEF, 21% of Pakistani girls marry before the age of 18, which usually ends their education.
Infrastructure gaps also play a major role. In many rural areas, girls’ schools are scarce or understaffed. The lack of female teachers, clean sanitation facilities, and safe transport makes regular attendance difficult and unsafe.
The Cost of Keeping Women Illiterate
Low female literacy carries serious economic consequences. Limited education restricts women’s participation in the labour market. Only 22% of women are formally employed, according to the World Bank. As a result, Pakistan fails to benefit from half of its human capital, which slows productivity and growth.
Social costs are equally severe. Educated women tend to marry later and have healthier families. They are also more likely to ensure child immunisation and access to healthcare. Furthermore, literacy enables women to question harmful traditions and engage more actively in civic life. This empowerment is essential for reducing inequality.
What Is Being Done—and Why It Falls Short
The government has recognised the issue. Article 25-A of the Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 5 to 16. In addition, programmes such as the Benazir Income Support Programme link financial assistance to school attendance.
Meanwhile, civil society has stepped in to fill gaps. Organisations like The Citizens Foundation operate more than 1,800 schools nationwide, with a strong focus on girls. Digital platforms such as Taleemabad are also expanding learning access in remote areas.
However, progress remains uneven. Persistent underfunding, teacher shortages, and cultural resistance continue to limit impact. The challenge is most visible in Balochistan, where female literacy remains at 32%, highlighting deep regional disparities.
The Way Forward
To close the gender literacy gap, Pakistan must move beyond symbolic commitments. Education spending should rise to at least 4% of GDP, with priority for girls’ schooling. Religious scholars and community leaders must actively challenge regressive narratives and promote education as a shared responsibility. The state should also expand girls’ schools, recruit trained female teachers, and ensure safe transport in underserved areas. In addition, stronger cash-transfer schemes and vocational pathways can make education affordable for poor families.
A National Imperative
Women’s literacy is not a women’s issue alone. It is a national imperative. Educated women strengthen families, boost the economy, and build resilient communities. Pakistan cannot afford to leave millions of girls behind. As Malala Yousafzai said, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” For Pakistan, that change begins with educating every daughter.
The author is a freelance columnist.