Islamabad: In a striking revelation, the World Bank’s latest South Asia Development Update has underscored the critical role of female labor force participation in achieving sustainable development goals in the region. Despite significant advancements in gender parity in education and legal protections, South Asia continues to face one of the world’s lowest rates of female labor participation.

According to The World Bank, the region’s economic prospects could be substantially improved by integrating more women into the workforce. The report highlights that elevating female labor force participation to levels comparable to men’s could potentially boost regional incomes per capita by up to 51 percent. This substantial increase underscores the untapped economic potential of women in South Asia, where only 32 percent of working-age women are employed, compared to 77 percent of men.

The report also sheds light on the multiple barriers hindering women’s employment, including the lack of quality childcare and elder care services, safe transport, and access to training and finance. Notably, the publication showcases several success stories, like that of Runu Hazarika in India, who has established a thriving business operating traditional boats across the Brahmaputra River, benefiting from gender-sensitive infrastructure improvements.

Further examples include Halima from Bangladesh, who, with World Bank support, gained new skills and secured employment that allows her to support her family independently. In Nepal, Maya Gurung contributes to her community by leading a cardamom fiber business and training other women in sustainable practices.

These stories highlight the profound impact of empowering women not only on individual lives but also on broader economic productivity. The World Bank calls for sustained efforts to dismantle the societal and structural barriers that limit women’s economic participation, emphasizing that doing so is not just equitable but also economically prudent.