Sindh Unveils First Gender Parity Report

The Sindh government on Friday launched its first Gender Parity Report, describing it as a landmark assessment of gender equality across the province.

Presented to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Human Rights Rajvir Singh Sodho, the report highlights progress in maternal health, female employment and political participation, while also pointing to major gaps in literacy, school enrolment, digital access, workforce representation and decision-making roles.

According to the report, Sindh’s population reached 55.69 million in 2023, with an annual growth rate of 2.57 percent. It also noted a sex ratio of 108.76 males for every 100 females.

The report said public health allocations in Sindh have risen steadily, while maternal mortality has fallen from 314 to 224 deaths per 100,000 live births. Neonatal mortality stood at 24 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Despite these gains, the report said education remains one of the province’s biggest challenges. Male literacy stands at 68 percent, compared with 47 percent among females. Rural women face the sharpest gap, with literacy at just 27.52 percent. More than 4.08 million girls aged five to 16 are still out of school.

The report also highlighted weak representation of women in the justice sector. Women make up only 4.34 percent of the police force, 18.3 percent of prosecutors and 13.7 percent of judges.

It recorded 3,085 reported cases of gender-based violence in 2024 and called for stronger protection systems and better access to justice.

At the same time, the report noted progress in governance and economic participation. Women’s voter registration has crossed 12 million, and the number of women contesting general elections rose from 23 in 2018 to 53 in 2024. Female employment also increased from 2.48 million to 3.32 million.

However, the report said barriers in digital connectivity, financial inclusion, skills development and access to decent work continue to limit women’s full participation in the economy.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed all provincial departments to introduce targeted reforms, strengthen gender-responsive governance and improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunity and representation for women and girls.

He said the report would serve as an important policy tool for evidence-based planning, resource allocation and institutional reforms.

The chief minister said gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also essential for sustainable development. He added that the findings would help strengthen policies and programmes for women’s empowerment across Sindh.

Mr Shah also paid tribute to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, calling her a global symbol of courage, democracy and gender equality.

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