Export Economy
Export Economy: Women play a key role in Pakistan’s export economy. They work in textile factories, stitching units, and cotton fields. Their work supports the country’s exports. However, many official reports ignore their contribution. Audit reports and company records rarely show detailed information about women workers. In the past, businesses accepted this gap. Today, it has become a serious business risk.
EU Regulations
The European Union has changed its import rules. It buys about one-third of Pakistan’s exports under the GSP-Plus programme. In 2024, the EU introduced the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. In 2025, it reduced the number of companies covered. However, the biggest international brands must still follow these rules. They now ask suppliers for detailed information about workers. They also expect suppliers to identify gender-related risks.
Buyer Expectations
That is no longer enough. Buyers now ask whether women receive equal pay. They also ask whether women face harassment or discrimination. If companies cannot answer these questions, buyers may lose trust. Today, missing data raises concerns instead of building confidence.
Hidden Challenges
Research in Bangladesh found that about one-third of women garment workers faced workplace harassment. Pakistan has no similar national survey. No one has collected such data. This gap creates concern. Pakistan’s 2007 Time Use Survey also showed that women spend much more time on unpaid household work than men. This limits their chances of working overtime or getting promotions. Many women also work from home. Most workplace audits never reach them.
Business Priority
Many Pakistani companies still treat gender issues as part of corporate social responsibility. However, international buyers now treat them as a business issue. Buyers want clear information about women workers. They ask about wages, contracts, and complaint systems. Companies that cannot provide this information may lose export orders.
Growth Opportunity
Pakistan also has an opportunity. It competes with Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Exporters who provide reliable information can gain an advantage. Pakistan already has useful laws. These include the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act and the Sindh Home-Based Workers Act. Some companies also train women farmers and support women in agriculture. These programmes increase family income. They also strengthen supply chains.
Recommended Actions
They should record wages, contract types, and workplace complaints. Industry associations should develop shared reporting tools. This will help businesses meet international standards. The government should also support these efforts. Strong evidence will help Pakistan protect its GSP-Plus trade benefits.
Practical Approach
Pakistan does not need to solve every problem at once. International rules do not demand perfection. They expect honesty and action. Companies should identify risks and work to reduce them. Businesses that ignore these issues will face greater challenges.
Visible Women
Women have always supported Pakistan’s export industries. Their work has remained invisible for many years. That must change. International buyers now expect companies to recognise, count, and protect women workers. Pakistan must meet these expectations to stay competitive in global markets.
Published in Dawn, 29th July 2026
