In Pakistan, fewer than one in four women participate in the workforce — a figure that has stagnated for years. Cultural barriers, limited access to quality education, and a lack of role models continue to hinder progress.

Women like Dr. Sobia Yaqub, an oncologist and university lecturer in Lahore, are challenging norms and paving the way for change. Institutions like the Care Schools are helping girls from low-income families pursue education, while entrepreneurs and educators are building pathways for women to enter fields like medicine and IT.

Can education and mentorship shift the tide for gender equality in Pakistan’s labor market?