SMALL FISCAL STEPS TO BENEFIT WOMEN

It is unfortunate that women are often ignored not only by society but also by their families and even the government when important decisions are made. Women need not only financial empowerment but also to be seen, heard and accepted.

Efforts must be made at different levels to improve the status of women, recognising them not only as an important part of society but also as citizens of Pakistan who are guaranteed rights under the Constitution. It is essential to develop awareness campaigns that enhance their status by educating women and society as a whole about their constitutional rights, as well as the rights and protections that address their specific needs and challenges as women.

Although things are changing slowly as Pakistani society evolves and women become more accepted within the social fabric, there is still a great deal that needs to be done.

Change is coming, even if it is too little and too late, which is nevertheless a positive sign.

Recently, the national budget was presented in Parliament for fiscal year (FY) 2026–27 and it was interesting to see that it includes some financial relief measures for women. While the relief is modest, these small steps toward change can serve as important foundations for developing more comprehensive policies in the future.

Pakistan’s Federal Budget 2026–27 has introduced limited initiatives for women that can be viewed as socially progressive measures aimed at improving women’s health, financial autonomy and social security. However, as already mentioned, this is just the beginning.

According to the 2026–2027 budget, the government has abolished the 18 per cent pink tax on sanitary products to help alleviate period poverty. This move will not only make basic hygiene products more affordable for millions of women and girls but also improve school attendance among teenage girls, increasing their chances of continuing their education without interruption.

Another important measure included in the budget is the provision of conditional cash transfers through the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif programme. This initiative aims to improve girls’ education and reduce school dropout rates among young girls. Recognising that girls face greater barriers to education, the programme provides higher financial bonuses and quarterly stipends for girls enrolled in primary, secondary and higher secondary schools compared to boys.

In addition, an 18 per cent GST exemption has been granted on contraceptives. This measure aims to reduce reproductive healthcare costs and support women’s access to family planning services and maternal healthcare.

Based on this small step, it is hoped that the government will develop economic programmes that provide relief to women through improved healthcare, education and financial support. One such programme is the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which many experts consider a well-designed initiative aimed at strengthening the financial stability of female-headed households facing economic hardship.

The budget has provided a 17 per cent increase in funding for BISP, bringing its total allocation to PKR 838 billion. This increase will help expand the coverage of the Benazir Kafaalat Programme to 12 million families and provide educational stipends to 9.2 million children. The programme, which was launched in 2008, is an unconditional cash transfer initiative designed to improve the lives of marginalised families, help lift them out of poverty and promote women’s financial empowerment across Pakistan.

However, there is still a lot of ground to cover in the areas of women’s health and financial empowerment, particularly for those who do not meet the eligibility requirements of existing programmes. Increases in fuel prices and taxes on other commodities have driven up the cost of many household items. This rise directly affects women and the budgets they manage to run their households. Many women respond by cutting back on spending for themselves and redirecting those funds toward their families.

It is also important to note that when a woman’s health is affected - whether through malnutrition or a lack of financial resources set aside for her own needs - the well-being of the entire family is impacted. While she may believe she is saving money by neglecting her own needs, she may not realise that these savings could ultimately be outweighed by medical expenses if she becomes seriously ill. Unfortunately, this is a common pattern in societies where women often prioritise the needs of others over their own health and well-being.

Shama Junejo is a government schoolteacher and a large portion of her income contributes to the family budget. Over the years, she has neglected her own health and ignored the warning signs her body has been giving her, as she never seemed to have the time or financial resources to care for herself. Now in her late 50s, Shama suffers from gout and a severe form of arthritis. Despite experiencing intense pain, she continues not only to go to work but also to carry out all her household chores.

“I am looking for herbal medicines to ease my pain. They are effective and cheaper than going to a doctor, which can be expensive. They make you undergo so many tests and then prescribe expensive medicines. It is not only a waste of money but also very costly. Why would I want to spend a huge amount when I feel better with herbal medicines? It takes time, but it helps,” said Shama.

Here’s hoping that the government plans more dedicated financial programmes in the future to support thousands of women across Pakistan who are not eligible for programmes like BISP. These initiatives should be designed in consultation with the very people they aim to serve, ensuring that funds are utilised effectively and generate lasting benefits for both individuals and society as a whole.

The writer is a senior journalist. She can be reached at [email protected]