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Pakistan's Maternal Mortality Crisis Hampers Growth, Gender Gap Widens

A report highlights that Pakistan's alarmingly high maternal mortality and widespread gender inequality are major impediments to the country's growth and human capital development. It criticizes a governance system where policies are announced but delivery is weak, and fiscal planning rewards population size over tangible outcomes like health and education. The report argues that expanding reproductive health services, keeping girls in school, and enabling women's economic participation are crucial for balanced population growth. Without targeted interventions to address institutional shortcomings and discriminatory norms, these gaps risk perpetuating cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.

Key Points: Pakistan's High Maternal Mortality, Gender Inequality Stunt Growth

  • High maternal mortality persists
  • Millions lack family planning
  • Early marriage and gender violence prevalent
  • Population policy rewards headcounts, not outcomes
  • Weak governance and delivery stall progress
2 min read

High maternal mortality, gender inequality hampers Pakistan's growth: Report

Report highlights Pakistan's alarmingly high maternal mortality, limited family planning, and gender-based violence as major barriers to development and balanced population growth.

"Expanding sexual and reproductive health services, keeping girls in school, and enabling women's participation in the economy are among the most effective ways to support informed reproductive choices - Dawn report"

Islamabad, Jan 5

Pakistan's maternal mortality remains alarmingly high, with millions of women deprived of access to family planning services, persistent early marriages and widespread gender-based violence - all factors influencing fertility patterns, female labour participation and development of human capital, a report said on Monday.

"In climate-exposed districts, weak health systems and limited access to services deepen vulnerability, reinforcing inequalities. The evidence leaves little room for debate. Expanding sexual and reproductive health services, keeping girls in school, and enabling women's participation in the economy are among the most effective ways to support informed reproductive choices and balanced population growth," a report in leading Pakistani daily Dawn highlighted.

According to the report, with a population exceeding 255 million, Pakistan ranks as the fifth most populous country in the world, a situation often viewed as a crisis to be addressed. While better coordination between federal and provincial authorities signals a tentative move away from fragmented policymaking, challenges still prevail.

"Countries that have neglected these fundamentals have paid the price in stalled growth and social strain. Where Pakistan continues to falter is governance. Policies are announced and commitments made, but delivery is weak and accountability thinner still. This is most visible in fiscal planning," the report noted

The report emphasised that Pakistan's National Finance Commission award, which is largely based on population size, rewards headcounts rather than tangible outcomes, resulting in a system that offers little incentive to improve health, education, or gender equality.

"A forward-looking state would reward progress in lower maternal mortality, higher female labour participation, improved education outcomes, and greater climate resilience. The new year offers a window. Moving from promises to progress will require political will, sustained domestic financing and strong oversight," it noted.

Last month, a report in Athens-based 'Directus' cited that the gender gap in Pakistan's labour market and economic opportunities stems from entrenched cultural norms, institutional shortcomings, and structural weaknesses.

It added that overcoming these challenges requires comprehensive measures such as strengthening labour law enforcement, improving access to childcare and safe transportation, promoting digital and financial inclusion, and eliminating discriminatory norms that restrict women's mobility and autonomy.

According to a report, without targetted intervention, these gaps risk perpetuating cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, sidelining half of Pakistan's population and their economic potential.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
A stark reminder of how crucial governance and political will are for development. The report hits the nail on the head—policies are announced but delivery is weak. This isn't just Pakistan's problem; it's a lesson for all South Asian nations on the cost of neglecting human capital, especially women.
S
Sarah B
The link between climate vulnerability and weak health systems is so important. It creates a vicious cycle of inequality. Investing in women's education and economic participation isn't just a social good, it's an economic imperative for any country wanting to grow.
R
Rohit P
While the situation is dire, I hope our media also gives similar weightage to reports on our own challenges with maternal health and female labour participation in certain regions. We have made progress, but introspection is always needed. A country cannot prosper by sidelining half its population.
K
Kavya N
"Entrenched cultural norms" – this is the toughest barrier to break. It requires sustained effort from within society, not just government policies. Change has to start at home, in families, by valuing daughters as much as sons. Education is the key to shifting these mindsets.
M
Michael C
The economic argument here is very strong. Perpetuating these gaps means sidelining a massive part of your workforce and consumer base. It's not just a social justice issue; it's terrible economics. Hope the authorities there pay heed to this clear-eyed analysis.

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