AIOU Hosts Seminar on Care Economy and Its Impact on Pakistani Women
— March 13, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) — Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) hosted a seminar on “The Care Economy and Its Relevance to Pakistani Women’s Lives,” highlighting the critical role women play in the care sector and its overlooked economic impact.
Dr. Shahla Tabasum, head of the Gender Studies Department at Fatima Jinnah Women University, delivered the keynote address, shedding light on unpaid domestic labour, childcare, elderly care, and healthcare services as essential yet unrecognised pillars of economic systems.
She emphasised that traditional economic frameworks neglect women’s unpaid contributions, leading to the undervaluation of their work. Dr. Tabasum called for policy reforms to formally acknowledge the care sector and provide economic benefits to women for their labour.
She also noted that existing workplace structures are primarily designed for men, disregarding the dual responsibilities many women shoulder. She urged policymakers to reshape workplaces to accommodate family needs, proposing flexible work environments, childcare facilities, and support systems to help women balance professional and domestic roles.
The seminar brought together academics, researchers, students, and social activists, who engaged in discussions on gender equality, economic justice, and policy-making. Participants unanimously agreed on the need for concrete measures at both societal and governmental levels to recognise and support women’s contributions to the care economy.
AIOU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering academic discussions on gender and economic justice, striving to promote equality and empower women through knowledge and policy advocacy.
Karachi
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