ABSTRACT
Goheer provides statistical comparisons of the poor gender equity record of Pakistan at national, regional and international levels and explains how the social and cultural context, 'a traditional patriarchal structure with compartmentalized gender roles' poses difficulties for women in general, and female entrepreneurs in particular. Gender role issues are a common phenomenon and have also been found in highly educated managerial women in Pakistan with cultural, religious and societal factors inhibiting expansion of female workforce participation. Further, Goheer states that the systems are inherently discriminatory and inhibit the equity-based composition of modern institutions and their fair working. The International Labour Organization (ILO) holds the firm belief that the only sustainable route out of poverty has to be based strongly on employment. Poverty has also increased in Pakistan as a result of two policy weaknesses, namely failure of macro policies and a pattern of growth that has failed to provide sufficient employment and income opportunities.
