Empowering Growth in Pakistan?

Abstract The SDGs’ commitment to inclusive growth reflects an increasing international concern with the inclusiveness of macro-economic development. Yet, although research underscores that economic is not gender-neutral, gender dimensions remain a footnote these debates. This article explores connection between performance and inequalities in case Pakistan. country’s has been characterised as ‘growth without development’. More specifically, severe women’s marginalisation comparison have persisted even phases high GDP growth. paradoxical situation offers fertile context for analysis how empowering can be women. We investigate women Pakistan by exploring aggregate data on sectoral gendered employment. Our does suggest straightforward win–win empowerment espoused Pakistan’s national policy vision. Rather, we find employment precarious—women are largely viewed secondary earners engaging distress sale labour.