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UNDERPAID employment is endemic in Pakistan. The country has one of the largest youth populations in the world, which is often touted as a demographic dividend. But without adequate education and nutrition, a large young population can become a burden, even if jobs are available.
“My driver earns Rs40,000 but his daughter, who holds a master’s degree, earns Rs15,000 a month teaching at a nearby school,” says economist Faisal Bari. “If you start driving instead of me, you’ll get Rs40,000,” the driver joked to his daughter.
However, culture does not allow women socially acceptable entry into many sectors.
“The education sector in Pakistan is being run on the exploitation of female labour,” Mr Bari says. Salaries in rural schools can start at Rs5,000-6,000 a month, rising to Rs10,000-12,000. In urban areas, teachers often earn between Rs8,000 and Rs20,000.
