Poverty and Gender Equality in Pakistan
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Poverty: an overview of Pakistan
The concept of gender inequality in education is a prevailing phenomenon. Everybody is aware of this problem and a lot of work has been done so far to investigate the extent of its impact on poverty. Gender inequalities in education exist in almost all poor countries and among the poor within these countries. There has been a considerable increase in education in low income countries over the last three decades (World Bank, 2001).
While economic growth is essential for development, this is hardly an end in itself. In order to derive benefits of growth, it is important to recognize the interdependence between social and economic policies and promote their integration. Unfortunately social sector development has been an area of neglect by successive governments over a long period. In fact, this underdevelopment of human capital is a serious concern facing Pakistan at present.
Poverty has been defined as a state in which income, resources and assets, usually of a material nature, but sometimes of a cultural nature, are lacking. In absolute terms it refers to a state in which the individual lacks that which is necessary for subsistence. In relative terms, poverty refers to the individual’s or group’s lack of resources when compared with that of other members of the society.
Poverty is shaped not only by income, but also by access. It has various manifestations, including hunger and malnutrition, ill health and lack of access to education and other basic services. It is also manifested in increased morbidity and mortality from illness; homelessness and inadequate housing; unsafe environments; and social discrimination and exclusion. It is also characterized by a lack of participation in decision-making and in civil, social and cultural life.
An interconnectivity exists between these three dimensions of success in one area is increasingly co-dependent on the other areas. Without an education, people cannot
1.1 Poverty: an overview of Pakistan
The concept of gender inequality in education is a prevailing phenomenon. Everybody is aware of this problem and a lot of work has been done so far to investigate the extent of its impact on poverty. Gender inequalities in education exist in almost all poor countries and among the poor within these countries. There has been a considerable increase in education in low income countries over the last three decades (World Bank, 2001).
While economic growth is essential for development, this is hardly an end in itself. In order to derive benefits of growth, it is important to recognize the interdependence between social and economic policies and promote their integration. Unfortunately social sector development has been an area of neglect by successive governments over a long period. In fact, this underdevelopment of human capital is a serious concern facing Pakistan at present.
Poverty has been defined as a state in which income, resources and assets, usually of a material nature, but sometimes of a cultural nature, are lacking. In absolute terms it refers to a state in which the individual lacks that which is necessary for subsistence. In relative terms, poverty refers to the individual’s or group’s lack of resources when compared with that of other members of the society.
Poverty is shaped not only by income, but also by access. It has various manifestations, including hunger and malnutrition, ill health and lack of access to education and other basic services. It is also manifested in increased morbidity and mortality from illness; homelessness and inadequate housing; unsafe environments; and social discrimination and exclusion. It is also characterized by a lack of participation in decision-making and in civil, social and cultural life.
An interconnectivity exists between these three dimensions of success in one area is increasingly co-dependent on the other areas. Without an education, people cannot
References: Naila Kabeer (2003). Gender inequality in educational outcomes: a household perspective. Gender and Education for All: The Leap to Equality Simel Esim (2000) Shamaas Gul Khattak (2009). Gender issues in higher education in Pakistan. David Dollar & Roberta Gatti (1999) Barbara Lopi (2004). Gender & Poverty In the context of Human Development, Health, Education and the MDG’s. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar (2008). Inclusiveness, growth and gender equity. Ghulam Moheyuddin (2005). GENDER INEQUALITY IN EDUCATION: IMPACT ON INCOME, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. Stephan Klasen (2000). Does Gender Inequality Reduce Growth and Development? Evidence from Cross-Country Regressions. Naeem Ahmed & Syed Kalim Hyder Bukhari (2007). GENDER INEQUALITY AND TRADE LIBERALIZATION: A CASE STUDY OF PAKISTAN Elaine Unterhalter (2006). Measuring gender inequality in education in south asia Shahnaz Hamid & Rehana Siddiqui Sarfraz K qureshi (2001). Profile of poverty in Pakistan, 1998-1990. Mimap technical series no.5 Rashid Amjad & A.R Kemal Dr Akmal Hussian (1994). Poverty alleviation in Pakistan. Vanguard Books (Pvt.) Ltd. IMF (2009). Pakistan: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. Ministry of finance (2003). Poverty reduction strategy papers *