Feminism and corporate success often appear to be in conflict. In Pakistan, gender roles are deeply rooted in tradition, and tension is even more apparent. Many women strive for leadership positions, yet they face barriers making their progress difficult. It’s hard to determine whether feminism and corporate success coexist in Pakistan.

But let’s try and break it down. Read on to better understand what feminism is and how it is impacting the work dynamics in Pakistan. Additionally, explore if it can truly coexist with corporate success in a society deeply rooted in cultural norms and gendered expectations.

What is feminism?

What is feminism? In simple terms, it is a social movement that advocates for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. It’s all about ensuring everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. This means fair pay, equal access to leadership roles, and a workplace free from discrimination. These principles benefit everyone.

The Reality of Women in Corporate Pakistan

According to the Bureau of Statistics (PBS) Labour Force Survey 2020-21 , the overall labor force work participation rate in the country is 44.9%. However, women’s participation remains significantly lower. An article from Dawn reports that only 5.7% of managerial positions in Pakistan are occupied by women.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022 ranks Pakistan 145th out of 146 countries in terms of economic participation and opportunity. This ranking highlights issues such as workplace discrimination, limited career growth, and society's expectations for women. These challenges create a difficult situation for women aiming to climb the corporate ladder.

One major barrier is the lack of access to informal networks. Decisions about promotions and opportunities are often influenced by connections and relationships. Women find themselves excluded from these networks, which are dominated by men. This exclusion limits their ability to gain visibility and advocate for their career growth.

Workplace harassment is another issue. Many women in Pakistan face subtle biases or overt misconduct. This hostile environment discourages women from pursuing long-term careers in the corporate sector. Fear of retaliation or lack of trust in reporting mechanisms often forces women to stay silent. Further perpetuating the cycle of inequality.

Education and skills gaps further compound the problem. While women are pursuing higher education, there’s still a disconnect between academic and professional qualifications required for leadership roles. Many women lack access to mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities that help them bridge the gap.

Role of Feminism in Changing the Corporate Culture in Pakistan

Feminism advocates for systematic change in the corporate and promotes the idea that gender should not determine career growth. Research indicates that companies with greater board gender diversity are more likely to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse emissions, and water use.

Legal reforms in Pakistan, like Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010) have laid the groundwork for change. This law mandates a safe working environment for women. While it is a step in the right direction, implementation remains inconsistent. With many firms hesitant to adopt policies that disrupt the status quo, the resistance is still strong.

One of the key challenges in Pakistan is the deeply ingrained cultural mindset that views women as domestic. This mindset often translates into corporate policies that are not inclusive. Another barrier is the lack of women representation in leadership roles. It sends a message that corporate ladder isn’t for them. Feminism challenges that by advocating for mentorship programs, leadership training, and transparent promotion processes. These initiatives help women build skills and confidence needed to advance in their careers.

How Coach360 is Playing Its Part

Its essential for feminism and corporate success to coexist. Additionally, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the corporate world in Pakistan is changing. But change requires constant effort. This is where The Coach360 is playing its part.

Founded by Burhan Mirza, The Coach360 is a career counseling hub helping individuals navigate their careers in corporate. Coach360 aims to provide equal mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities for both men and women.

With coach360, you can get hands-on career guidance and learn to overcome corporate challenges. Furthermore, The Coach360 collaborates with organizations promoting gender-inclusive policies. After all, it’s all part of helping businesses create a more supportive work environment.