National Working Women’s Day is a public holiday in Pakistan that is observed on December 22nd each year. The holiday was established to honour and recognize the contributions of working women in Pakistan and to promote gender equality in the workplace.
One way to support working women in Pakistan and promote gender equality is by starting Lean In Circles. Lean In Circles are small groups of people who meet regularly to support and empower each other to achieve their goals. These circles are based on the principles outlined in Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.”
Sheryl Sandberg is an American business executive, author, and philanthropist. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Facebook, a position she has held since 2008. Prior to joining Facebook, Sandberg served as the Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google.
In addition to her work in the tech industry, Sandberg is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of gender equality and education. She is the founder of the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation, which works to advance gender equality and improve access to education and opportunities for women and girls.
Starting Lean In Circles in Pakistan can be especially important because women in Pakistan often face barriers to career advancement and face discrimination in the workplace. Lean In Circles can provide a supportive environment where women can share their experiences, offer each other encouragement, and learn from one another’s successes and challenges.
In addition to providing support and empowerment, Lean In Circles can also be a powerful tool for building networks and fostering professional development. By participating in a Lean In Circle, women can connect with other like-minded individuals and gain access to new opportunities and resources that can help them advance in their careers.
Overall, starting Lean In Circles in Pakistan can be a valuable way to support working women and promote gender equality in the country. By providing a supportive and empowering environment, Lean In Circles can help women overcome barriers and achieve their professional goals.
Importance of Gender Equality in Pakistan
Gender equality is important for every country, including Pakistan, because it is a fundamental human right and a necessary condition for achieving a just and equitable society. When women and men have equal opportunities and rights, everyone benefits.
In Pakistan, promoting gender equality is particularly important because women in the country often face barriers to education, employment, and political participation. According to the World Bank, Pakistan has one of the lowest rates of female labour force participation in the world, and women in Pakistan are often paid less than men for the same work.
Moreover, Pakistan ranks second-worst out of 146 countries for gender equality. Pakistan is home to 107 million women, yet when it comes to closing the gender gap, the country is still struggling.
Promoting gender equality in Pakistan can have a number of positive impacts, including:
- Improved economic growth: When women have equal opportunities to participate in the workforce and contribute to the economy, it can lead to increased economic growth and development.
- Improved health outcomes: Gender equality can also lead to improved health outcomes for women, as it can give them more control over their own health and reproductive choices.
- Improved social cohesion: Promoting gender equality can also help to reduce social tensions and promote more inclusive and cohesive societies.