Table 2 Systematic review
S # | First Author, Year & Title | Objectives | Population & Setting | Research Design & Data Collection | Main Results | Perpetuating factors | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Iqbal (2012) Gender Discrimination: Implications for Pakistan Security [1] | • To describe the gender discrimination in Pakistan • To describe gender discrimination in education and employment • To discuss gender and human security | Pakistan | Desk review, narrative research | Gender balance can be improved by enhancing non-traditional security Gender discrimination against females can be reduce by providing them equal chances at the workplace and in society. | Social Cultural -Patriarchal society -Honor killing -low social, economic, and political status in society -DV is personal matter Education: -Cultural boundaries -Co-education -poor physical environment and lack of fundamental services in education sector -limited opportunities for rural girl for education Employment: -low literacy rate -Marriage -Childbearing -unfavorable work environment -discrimination in male and female pay scale -Low promotion -Fewer female in decision making and leading position. | Eliminate discriminatory attitude of the society towards the women. The constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights to all citizens and make sure the forceful implementation. Govt must start mass media awareness campaign on gender discrimination in employment. Female employees must be informed about their rights and privileges. NGOs should come forward to support the victimized female employees to get justice. -Govt should compilation annual reports of Human resource in Govt. and private sector. More investment on female education |
2 | Delavande (2013) Gender Discrimination and Social Identity: Experimental Evidence from Urban Pakistan [3] | To find out the discrimination against females regarding gender and social class | N = 2836 male and female students from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore | Experimental design -Survey questionnaire | Nature and intensity of gender discrimination is not same in all educated class Higher socioeconomic status females are not discriminated and are even favored in some instances by males Women of lower socioeconomic status are discriminated against by certain groups of men | -Low socioeconomic status -Discrimination because of Social Identities (Class, ethnicity, race) | -Push for policies favoring economic development, such as education policy, will lead to an improvement in women’s rights and status. -Male education can play an important role in discrimination as educated males tend to discriminate less -Gender equitable child rearing practices at home including education to boys. |
3 | Alam (2011) Impact of Gender Discrimination On Gender Development and Poverty Alleviation [7] | To know the main reasons and areas of gender discrimination and its impact on development and poverty alleviation | N = 50 25 Male and 25 female selected from purposive sampling from Peshawar | Cross-sectional study Survey questionnaire and Interview | Gender disparity exists in targeted geographies. women have no or low share in income / earnings of the family Women are more vulnerable to poverty; women share more burden of productive and household work. Women are not given equal opportunities in jobs Gender inequalities hinder poverty alleviation. Lack of women participation in development and women have no political and propriety rights. Lack of skill enhancement opportunities for women would affect poverty alleviation and gender development | No equal status of women in family as she didn’t contribute to family earning. Female were not allowed to work outside home. Decision makers are male in household. No equal opportunity in higher education for females Old traditional role of male and female hindering the women development Sex segregated occupational choices; females are only in teaching. Females are economically dependent on man Exclusion from development and it affects poverty alleviation. | Equal educational opportunities and quality education should be provided to women for different jobs. Women should be given equal rights and power of decision-making. Equal opportunities of Participation to bring equality in resources distribution Household and productive burden should be share equally that may help in poverty alleviation. Skills training facilities should be available for females Equal opportunity in family affairs. Need of policy formation focused on women empowerment for poverty alleviation and gender development. |
4 | Bukhari (2019) Gender Inequality: Problems & Its Solutions In Pakistan [4] | To highlights the practices of gender discrimination, identifies the problems and its solutions in Pakistan | Pakistan | Desk Review, narrative research | Female discrimination is present due to socio-cultural norms in Pakistan. Gender discrimination mostly influence by tribal, feudal and religious social formations. Financial problems are a major concern for educating the women Girls face harassment and criticism from society while traveling - Rural females are suffering more in terms of getting education. -Government seats mostly occupied by males. | Male dominancy Lack of participation in discission making Social cultural norms and inhuman cultural practices Co-education and boarding facilities are hindrances in girl education. | Provide equal status and opportunities to women in society Empower women by promoting education, training, and professional development Ensure the Health, safety, and well-being of all women and men. Protection against domestic violence and legislation against Domestic violence Equal representation in public and private sector |
5 | Ejaz (2011) Gender Discrimination and The Role of Women in Pakistan [2] | To review the practices of gender discrimination, its contributing factors and recommendation to make women powerful in society. | Pakistan | Desk review, narrative research | In Pakistan as Muslim society gender discrimination, it is in the most hideous form Islamic values and laws were fabricated and presented as subliminal messages. Some writers use their venomous words to disgrace and degrade women openly Girls passively wait to accept their destiny with anticipation of discrimination, injustice, and unequal distribution of human rights. | Patriarchal society Low education level. Discriminatory laws in Pakistan Unequal Sexual division of labor Reproductive activities Cultural Norms and practices Early and forced marriages Fabricated Islamic messages Brainwashing at toddler age and intergenerational passing of submissiveness by mothers Stereotype role of women in media. | Women themselves must understand their proper status in the society Awareness of rights are important for both male and female and they need to respect each other, Efforts can be made to make people understand the translation of the holy Qur’an. Unbiased teaching of Islam to provide women with appropriate knowledge making them all-powerful in the society |
6 | Ferrant (2016) Does gender discrimination in social institutions matter for long-term growth? [5] | To estimate the potential income gains associated with gender parity and the cost of the current level of discrimination. | Multicultural study including Pakistan | Cross country secondary data analysis | Gender-based discrimination in social institutions obstructs the economic development and income of the country The association between low economic development gender disparity is stronger in low-income countries. Per-Capita income of both and females are reducing because of gender discrimination High income countries have lower levels of gender-based discrimination in social institutions | Less access to education | Gender disparity in social institutions need to be integrated in growth analysis of the country. More investment on girl education and trainings. Social institutions should be gender responsive and have gender-transformative policies. Identify the bottlenecks of gender parity and unlock the growth potential of social institutions. Dire need to identify which type of institution have greater effect and which intervention will be needed to reduce the gap. |
7 | Mahmood (2012) Gender-Specific Barriers to Female Entrepreneurs in Pakistan: A Study in Urban Areas of Pakistan [8] | To determine gender-specific barriers and its impact for female entrepreneurs in Pakistan | N = 160 Females from Faisalabad Multan Sukkur Sargodha Sialkot | Cross sectional Study Self-administered survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews | Female entrepreneurs are very important to economic and social development in Pakistan. Female entrepreneurship is a grater tool to transform economy of Pakistan. Female participation in entrepreneurial activities is not only empower them economically but also have positive social influences on women themselves, their families, and their social environment. | Capital unavailability Lack of finance Poor knowledge about loan process discrepancy in property rights Culture and local customs Restriction on mobility Communication gap with men Limited decision making role models and guiders Lack of education Gender discrimination Men’s hold on market Childcare burden Family pressure Discrimination Harassment | For the development of full potential of women there is a need to understand recognize and support them. Make sure the women participation in economic activities to achieve sustainable goals. Ensure the provision of finance. |
8 | Tarar (2014) Patriarchy, Gender Violence and Poverty amongst Pakistani Women: A Social Work Inquiry [9] | To find out discrimination and violence against women in Pakistan and its interplay with patriarchy and poverty. To examine how the patriarchy, us a tool to | N = 52 Females living in Shelter home Punjab Pakistan | Descriptive qualitative, Primary research paper Interviews | Women are vulnerable to different types of violence, and this vary by class There is a relationship between patriarchy, poverty, and gender violence Poverty appears to be the direct cause of gender violence | Poverty Patriarchal society Economical dependency less access to education Husband’s drug addiction | Understanding of psychological, social, and gender aspects of violence to eradicate poverty. Educate and empower women to promote economic, social, and gender equalities as well as to improve the social structure. Empowerment oriented social workers to focus on victim’s strengths, adaptive skills, and competencies to resolve their problems. |
9 | Kazimi (2019) Mothers Role and Perception in Developing Gender Discrimination [6] | To analyze role of mothers in developing child personality and social behavior. To explore mother role in developing gender discrimination. | N = 183 Mothers Residing in urban and rural Sindh province selected through purposive and random sampling | Mix Method research Design Survey Questionnaire and narrative inquiry | Urban and rural mothers both have discriminatory behavior Mother’s attitudes towards boys and girls are highly biased and both treated differently. Mother’s discriminative behavior helping in promoting and developing gender discriminated behavior in society especially in rural areas -Mothers are not aware that they are harvesting the gender gap in society with their discriminative behavior -Mother can play a role to reduce gender discrimination. | Discriminatory child rearing practices Son preference Pro male behavior Patriarchy Lack of participation in decision making. Violation of property rights. | Women education and adult education programs for the awareness of the consequences of mother behavior Provision of equal rights and opportunities for both men and women Mother education for gender parity in practices. Schools can play a role and should focus on this problem and guide parents. Use of Media especially television for developing awareness among mothers |
10 | Atif (2016) Son Preference in Pakistan: A Myth or Reality [10] | To study the relationship between various demographic characteristics and desire for son | N = 506 Married females of Childbearing age from Peshawar, Pakistan | Cross-sectional Study Survey questionnaire | Significant relation between sons desired and female education, husband’s education, and socioeconomic class. No significant impact of religion on desire for sons. Significantly higher desire for infinite number of sons than daughters, or want at least one son | Dowery Lack of social support | Couple counseling to reduce gender bias Girls should be given equal chances to be wishfully borne by their parents, and live with equal right |
11 | Rabia (2019) Gender Inequality: A Case Study in Pakistan [11] | To explore the perception of male and females on gender inequality in Pakistan | N = 357 Male and female College students from Sialkot Punjab, Pakistan | Cross sectional Study Survey questionnaire | There is gender discrimination in home, in education and at workplace. Parents give more importance to boys as compared to girls Women can work outside their home if the income is not adequate. Mostly backward area people have controversial thoughts about women and more women experienced gender inequality -Honor killing and practices like acid attacks are very common. | -Son preferences -Child rearing practices -Social norms | Government and public both should work to promote education and professional development for women. Removal of discriminatory attitude of the society towards the women. Encourage women participation in economic growth. Equal opportunity to both men and women at home, education and workplace. Ensure health, protection, and happiness for all women Provide protection against domestic violence and mistreatments |
12 | Shah (2012) Girl Education in Rural Pakistan [12] | To identify the barriers of girl’s education in rural areas and recommendations to eliminate these barriers. | N = 35 Stakeholders in education including parents and teacher from a rural Punjab, Pakistan | Case study In-depth interviews Field notes/ Observations | Muslim girl should be brought up as she can become good wife, daughter, sister, mother and wife. Poverty and lack of public education is considerably lower in rural areas | Cultural norms Child rearing practices Patriarchy Religious leaders Poverty Co-education Distance of school Child labor Early Marriages Domestic role of female Lower status of female in society Absence of female teachers | Creates proactive policies, essential infrastructures, and necessary resources Ensure the safety and protection of girls. Awareness and community sensitization for girl education. Create girl’s enrollment campaigns at local level with some incentives on enrollments Partnership between all stakeholders at all levels. |
13 | Hamid (2011) An Analysis of Multi-dimensional Gender Inequality in Pakistan [13] | To investigate multi-dimensional gender inequalities faced by women in the socio-economic and political scenario of Pakistan | Pakistan Comparison made between male and female | Desk review | Women in Pakistan are suffering from multi-dimensional inequality The dimensions of family, women identity, health, education, women access to economic resources, employment and participation in politics contribute significantly to the discrimination of women Discrimination against women starts from the very beginning Poor and inadequate health and nutrition facilities for antenatal women and SRHR Very low women employment in non-agricultural sector and mostly are in informal sector where wages are very low | Patriarchy Child rearing practices Poor and inadequate services Male control over financial and physical assets Son preferences Lack of participation in decision making Low education: Poverty domestic and farming Responsibilities low access to schools Early marriages Socio-cultural practices. Unsafe places Low employment: Lower education Social cultural norms constraints on women’s mobility | Provision of opportunities to women in the form of education, better health, possession of assets, employment and for participation in politics -Legislation of laws to protect women rights Creation of gender friendly enabling environment for economic, social, and political participation. Parents sensitization on right of female child and make sure the active participation of girls at all levels. Provision of Child Friendly Schools, trainings and skills program for females Introduction of uniform wages and salaries for both gender |
14 | Bhattacharya (2014) Status of Women in Pakistan [14] | To evaluate the role of women in relation to various layer of state and society. | Pakistan | Desk Review Narrative | Quranic principles are frequently avoided and twisted, especially regarding the status of women Guardians of the faith take them as customary to ‘punish’ women and ostracize them Islam not only gives basic equality to women but also equal legal rights Patriarchy has caused a total disregard for women in Pakistani society. Feudal system in society has also caused severe antipathy towards women. | Medieval cultural practice Women ignorance about their rights. Anti-Islamic cultural practices and traditions (Haq Bakhshish) Tribal judicial system Institutional and individual violence Patriarchy Female viewed as inferior. Feudal system Violence at home Honor killing Selling of Bride Dowery Acid Attack | Frequent training and awareness programmers are needed to be arranged periodically to make women aware of their rights Public, as well as private sectors, should be established to provide job opportunities to rural women so that they can earn income Laws need to be reviewed and adequate implementation of laws to provide a safe and secure environment for women Education and awareness of men and women both are very important |
15 | But (2016) Social Policy and Women Status in Pakistan: A Situation Analysis [15] | To review status of women and social policies in Pakistan | Pakistan | Desk Review Descriptive research | Govt. is unwilling to improve women status in country. Women face poverty, lack of access to health and education services There is unavailability of domestic policies to protect women from violence and gaps in implementation The is a high ratio of gender inequality and sone preference in rural and urban areas - Property rights is often transferred to the male members of the society -Political instability worsen the situation and increase the gender gap. | lack of gender friendly policies and implementation. Patriarchy No property rights Gender Based Violence- No equal rights Sexual abuse/rape Health inaccessibility of health facilities Cultural norms and taboos poverty-lack of services domestic violence Education -Child Marriages -lack employment opportunities -sex segregation -school distance Domestic chores Co-education Son preference Parents illiteracy Employment -Narrow job opportunities -home responsibility -small industries -traditional division of labor -temporary positions | Provision of equal rights for women. Awareness and education to both males and females about equal rights Actual Islamic practice should be followed. Proper allocation of budget for women empowerment |
16 | Khurshid (2020) Analyzing the Impact of Gender Inequality on Economic Development in Pakistan: ARDL Bound Test Cointegration Analysis [16] | To assess the relationship between gender inequality and economic development and also analyze the short term and long-term impact of gender inequality on economic development | Pakistan | Time series Analysis | Gender inequality delayed both long term and short-term economic growth. Gender inequality has an inverse relationship with economic development. State of gender equality is abysmal in Pakistan that decreased their decreased roles in different spheres of life. | Inflation rate has negative impact on economic growth. Low women Literacy is the primary indicator of economic delayed Interest rate negatively but highly significant impact on economic development. | Female access to higher education and health can increase economic growth. Reduce in gender discrimination needed in education sector. Trade has a positive effect on economic growth. Holistic approach can overcome the consequences of gender inequality and crucial for economic development. Government should make policies to increase job opportunities for female. |
17 | Mahmood (2021) Sociological Analysis of Women’s Empowerment in Pakistan [17] | To explore the relationship between type of employment, employment status, occupation, and empowerment in Pakistan. To explore the relationship between demographics variables, financial contribution and empowerment in Pakistan. | Pakistan | Descriptive research | Women access to services and her contribution to extent family income has significant role to eliminate gender discrimination Mostly females are motivated to opt limited occupations. Women are less empowered in all fields of activities | Lack of access to services Lack of participation in economic activities and have limited job opportunities. Lack of empowerment in all fields. Lack of authority, Mobility restrictions and less resource control Domestic violence Patriarchy | Create more professional markets to empower women particularly for rural areas women. Include women in earnings Access to education Remove all the barriers that hinder women empowerment Need structural changings for gender equality Develop professional competencies by continue trainings and support. Educate women to know their rights Practice right to take decision |
18 | Mumtaz (2019) Frequency and Psychosocial Determinants of Gender Discrimination Regarding Food Distribution among Families [18] | To study the psychosocial factors causing gender discrimination regarding food distribution among families | Pakistan N = 50 females | Cross sectional study design | Higher discrimination in food distribution due to large family size Food discrimination 4 times higher in females Low income contributes to higher discrimination Maternal education lead reduction in food discrimination | Large family size Low income Male earners Lack of control on capital | Policies to promote Female education Create earning opportunities Provision of foods for poor families Awareness raising on print and social media for gender parity |
19 | Ahmed (2019) Impact of Gender-Specific Causes on Women Entrepreneurship: An Opportunity Structure for Entrepreneurial Women in Rural Areas [19] | to assess impact of gender-specific causes and factors on women entrepreneurship in rural areas of Pakistan. | N = 342 women and men from rural areas from Sindh Panjab KPK Balochistan, Pakistan | Cross sectional study | Gender discrimination is one of the major causes affecting women’s entrance in the process of entrepreneurship Men seen as bread earner primary source of income and woman seen a key caretaker, inside the home Safety, security issues and lack of education have further contributed to gender discrimination | Gender discrimination practices Lack of education Lack of access to capital and family support Inferior female status, lack of women’s role in decision making and early marriages Monopoly of men in the market Negligence of government | Create supportive environment for female entrepreneurs Provide entrepreneurial opportunities Provide public safety nets to improve women status as entrepreneur Offer vocational trainings Cash transfer for girls schooling Flexibility in working hours for females |
20 | Ahmad (2020) Men’s Perception of Women Regarding the Internet Usage in the Khyber Agency Pakistan: An Exploratory Study [20] | To investigate the gender discrimination in the use of the internet in KPK To explore the reason of gender discrimination | N = 100 15–29 years old youth KPK, Pakistan | Mix method approach | Digital divide in internet usage promotes gender discrimination KPK women suffered from gender discrimination Women has lack of access to the internet and the usage of the internet compared to men Most of the people are far from digital devices Men has decision making power for health education, marriage etc. Internet use not allowed to female by male members of the family because of misuse and content on internet. Internet seems threat to traditional Parda system (Veil) | Patriarchy Deprivation from digital world Stereotypical discourse of women Traditional values Religious restrictions Lack of participation in decision making | Awareness raising Development of local women organizations Promote women education Campaign on the benefit of internet by Govt. and NGOs Dialogue with male members of the society IT related scholarships for females Women empowerment campaigns Women access to technology |