A recent report from the United Nations highlights a concerning trend in Pakistan, revealing that over 10 million women aged 35 and above are currently unmarried in the country.
This emphasizes the seriousness of the marriage situation in Pakistan. Additionally, the report indicates that last year, 22 million young boys and girls were also awaiting marriage.
As the pool of eligible marriage partners diminishes, parents are becoming more open to alliances outside their familial groups.
However, there is a growing reluctance to arrange marriages with individuals from different tribes due to the difficulty of finding suitable matches beyond immediate social circles.
Meanwhile, female labor force participation (FLFP) in urban Pakistan has remained stagnant at approximately 10 percent, one of the lowest rates globally for over two decades.
Educated women face challenges in entering and maintaining employment, while those with lower levels of education encounter even greater obstacles. Disparities in aspirations and limited awareness of opportunities are evident.
Many women drop out of school due to safety concerns or financial constraints, while others fear resistance from family or community if they seek employment outside the home.
Those who do work often face low wages and the additional burden of household responsibilities.
