The Impact of Gender Inequality in Education on Females’ Labor Force Participation: A Case of Some Cities of Pakistan

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of gender inequality in education on females’ labor force participation in 14 major cities (rapidly urbanizing areas) of Pakistan after taking into account the socio-economic indicators like the marital status of female, the gender of the head of household, physical facilities, the median income of the household, etc. Data were gathered from the Pakistan Social Standard of Living Measurement Survey from 2004-05 to 2011-12. Pseudo Panel technique was applied using cities and females in the age group 15-65 as cohorts. Graphical representation and fixed effect techniques were used for analyzing the issue. On the basis of the results, the study recommends some policies such as education facilities, especially, technical, vocational, and job-oriented education should be provided to the females on an equal basis.  Females should be given equal opportunities as males, there should be laws to eliminate wage differential. Women’s participation in the manufacturing and trade sectors should be encouraged.  Moreover, facilities for married women such as day-care centers should be increased. JEL Classification: I32, I24, J16, Z130, J21