Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, is a land of glaring contrasts. Rich in resources yet marked by profound developmental challenges, it ranks lowest in human development indicators nationwide, especially in gender equality and justice. The pivotal role of Balochistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor underscores its potential for economic revival, yet the equitable distribution of these benefits remains uncertain. A fundamental truth holds: including women as active contributors to —not merely recipients of — development is essential for social progress. The question for Balochistan is how to harness its vast resources to genuinely empower women and redefine their social roles.

The Realities of Gender Inequality in Balochistan

Women in Balochistan face dire exclusion, evident in raw statistics:  employment rates are a meagre 8%; financial inclusion stands at 13%; and only 16% of women use cell phones. Political engagement is similarly discouraging, with female voter turnout at 37.4%; significantly trailing behind the male turnout of 48.9%. [1] 

With the lowest literacy rates in Pakistan, the situation for girls and women in Balochistan is even graver, with only 19% completing primary education [2]. This deprivation exacerbates their vulnerability to child marriage, domestic violence, and economic marginalisation.

Alarmingly, a staggering 35% of women in Balochistan experience intimate partner violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.[3]. The spectre of gender-based violence looms large, with 66 women murdered in 2022 alone, a third of whom fell victim to so-called honour crimes. For minority and transgender women, the situation is even more challenging due to increased vulnerability to community violence and systemic barriers to accessing formal justice mechanisms.

Progressive Legislation and the Road Ahead

The road to gender justice in Balochistan is burdened with obstacles, from outdated legal systems to gender-insensitive law enforcement and judiciary, compounded by deep-seated social and cultural barriers. Despite these challenges, there have been progressive legislative strides at both federal and provincial levels, signalling a shift toward greater protection and empowerment of women. Noteworthy measures include the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010), the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act (2014), the Child Protection Act (2016), the introduction of Anti-Harassment (2016) laws, Prohibition of Girls Child Marriage Bill (pending enactment), Women’s Access to Property Bill (draft) and the establishment of the Provincial Commission on the Status of Women (2017). These legal frameworks, however, require robust support through local engagement and enforcement to make a tangible outcome. 

Empowering Voices: UNDP’s Role in Shifting the Balance

With a steadfast commitment to gender equality, UNDP has invested in empowering community members through transformative initiatives like Gender Justice Committees, mobile Gender Desks, and Access to Justice Advisory Groups, which provide crucial links between women and the government, human rights institutions, law enforcers, and service providers to demand equitable access to human rights. These initiatives have started to change the status quo in some of Balochistan's poorest districts, providing women with a voice and agency in decisions affecting their lives.

During one of my visits to Quetta, I met Ms. Kaneez Fatima [4], a Gender justice Committee member. Fatima, trained on gender-based violence referral mechanisms, has helped secure justice for a young woman murdered by her husband, leading to a consequential police investigation and the issuance of an arrest warrant for the perpetrator. Overall, our Gender Desk Officers have successfully linked 161 survivors of gender-based violence to essential justice services, financial aid, and income support programs, aiding their rehabilitation and dignified social reintegration.

Our approach centres around integrating local women into our initiatives, ensuring cultural and linguistic relevance, and encouraging community acceptance. This strategy has led to the resolution of 419 cases involving civil documentation and family law. Through our various initiatives, we have also improved healthcare access, education, and media representation of women and transgender individuals.

Incremental yet impactful, these changes are crucial in shifting the social dynamics within Balochistan. Our initiatives have profoundly influenced the lives of women in the province, evidenced by an 80% surge in those seeking training and a 20% rise in successful dispute resolutions through Gender Justice Committees and Advisory Groups. The rise in reported cases of violence against women and girls by 60% is a testament to the growing trust in the formal justice system and the strengthening of the social contract.

Conclusion: A Vision for Inclusive Development

Drawing on my experiences from Vietnam, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of breaking the cycles of marginalization and exploitation that once plagued women. A few decades ago, Vietnam's human development indices were even lower than those of today's Pakistan. Yet, through determined efforts, I have seen Vietnam undergo a profound transformation. Today, women are at the forefront, shattering glass ceilings and driving national development as key economic players.

While the political, social and historical experiences of each country are distinct, the essential principle remains the same. Recognizing and committing to include women in the journey towards development and peace is not just a moral imperative but a proven strategy for social advancement, as demonstrated in various studies[5] and evidenced by the progress in other regions. This approach is critical for Balochistan, where promoting alliances and building solidarity among women at the grassroots level can significantly amplify their voices and enhance their agency.

UNDP remains committed in its commitment to enhancing gender equality in Balochistan, dedicated to empowering women as pivotal agents of change for development and peace. Through continued advocacy and strategic initiatives, we aim to ensure that every woman in Balochistan has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the region's growth and progress.

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