Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Pakistan's Women: Unseen Labor Worth 25% of GDP

11/3/2025

49 5

Summary

Story summary

Research shows women's unpaid domestic labor in Pakistan could amount to 22–25 percent of the national GDP, yet remains unrecognized in official statistics.
Women perform nearly eleven hours of unpaid work daily, compared with less than one hour by men.
This labor sustains families and the economy but is often dismissed as a natural role.
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) provides relief but does not address undervaluation.

1 of 1

Story summary

Research shows women's unpaid domestic labor in Pakistan could amount to 22–25 percent of the national GDP, yet remains unrecognized in official statistics.
Women perform nearly eleven hours of unpaid work daily, compared with less than one hour by men.
This labor sustains families and the economy but is often dismissed as a natural role.
The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) provides relief but does not address undervaluation.