In recent years, women's participation in Pakistan's labour market has increased due to various factors, including economic pressures. Female employment is currently at 23% and is expected to grow as education and job access improve, creating an urgent need for supportive environments. Promoting workforce gender equality requires policies to boost women's involvement and ensure fair division of caregiving responsibilities.

Family-friendly policies are essential for working parents, especially mothers. They promote work-life balance, improve employee wellbeing and increase productivity, while helping parents manage work and family duties. They include paid parental leave, flexible hours, breastfeeding and childcare support and elder care. These policies contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society while driving economic growth and workforce sustainability.

Pakistan's traditional joint family system reduced reliance on formal childcare. However, migration and modernisation have shifted family structures toward nuclear units.........

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