Sindh Unveils First Gender Parity Report

On Friday, the Sindh government announced the launch of its inaugural Gender Parity Report, marking a significant milestone in the province's pursuit of gender equality. The report, unveiled before Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah by Special Assistant Rajvir Singh Sodho, underscores considerable advancements in maternal health, female employment, and political representation, while simultaneously highlighting substantial gaps in literacy, school enrollment, digital access, workforce representation, and decision-making roles.

As of 2023, Sindh's population stood at 55.69 million, registering a steady 2.57 percent annual growth. The report also records a sex ratio of 108.76 males for every 100 females.

Public health funding in Sindh has progressively increased, accompanied by a decline in maternal mortality rates, which have dropped from 314 to 224 deaths per 100,000 live births. Neonatal mortality, too, has reduced to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births. Nevertheless, the report identifies education as one of the most formidable challenges faced by the province.

Male literacy is recorded at 68 percent, against 47 percent for females. Rural women are disproportionately affected, with literacy rates plummeting to 27.52 percent. Additionally, more than 4.08 million girls aged five to 16 remain out of school. The report also sheds light on the underrepresentation of women in the justice sector, where women constitute only 4.34 percent of the police force, 18.3 percent of prosecutors, and 13.7 percent of judges.

In 2024, the report documented 3,085 cases of gender-based violence and calls for enhanced protection systems and improved access to justice.

However, the report also enumerates progress in governance and economic participation. Women's voter registration has surpassed 12 million, and the number of women aspiring to contest general elections has risen from 23 in 2018 to 53 in 2024. Female employment has also seen an uptick, climbing from 2.48 million to 3.32 million. Yet, the report underscores the persistent barriers in digital connectivity, financial inclusion, skill development, and access to decent work, which continue to impede women's complete involvement in the economy.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has mandated all provincial departments to implement targeted reforms, fortify gender-responsive governance, and enhance access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and representation for women and girls. He emphasized that the report functions as a critical policy instrument for evidence-based planning, resource allocation, and institutional reforms.

Shah stated that gender equality transcends social justice considerations; it is indispensable for sustainable development. He also paid homage to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, acknowledging her as a global emblem of courage, democracy, and gender equality.