Empowerment and Inclusion
A. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Pakistan: Empowering women and advancing gender equality are central to Roshan Development Foundation’s mission and to Pakistan’s broader vision for inclusive development. Although Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights and the country is party to international commitments like CEDAW and the SDGs, gender disparities remain deeply entrenched due to structural, cultural, and institutional barriers.
Legal reforms and provincial initiatives—such as the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act and the establishment of the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women—demonstrate progress. Yet, meaningful change is slow. Pakistan ranks 145 out of 146 in the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, reflecting persistent inequalities in education, health, political representation, and economic participation. Millions of women remain excluded from formal employment, leadership roles, and quality healthcare and education.
At Roshan Development Foundation, we believe gender equality is not only a human right but a driver of social justice and sustainable development. Our gender-responsive approach addresses the root causes of discrimination and empowers women through community engagement, legal awareness, skills development, and access to services. We work to dismantle restrictive norms, promote women’s agency, and create inclusive spaces for collective action and leadership.
By investing in women and girls, we help build resilient communities and a more equitable future for all. Gender equality is not just an outcome—it’s a catalyst for transformative change.
B. Diversity and Social Cohesion. (Minorities) : Pakistan is a richly diverse country, home to numerous ethnic, religious, and cultural communities. While Muslims constitute the majority, millions of citizens belong to religious minorities—Hindus, Christians, Ahmadis, Sikhs, and others—who have made significant contributions to the nation's identity and development. Yet, despite constitutional guarantees, these communities continue to face systemic discrimination, political exclusion, legal persecution, and social marginalization
Religious minorities make up roughly 3.5% of Pakistan’s population, while ethnic diversity spans major groups such as Pashtuns, Sindhis, Mohajirs, and Baloch. Despite protective mechanisms—reserved legislative seats, public job quotas, and landmark laws like the Sikh Marriage Act—implementation gaps remain vast. Minority communities are disproportionately affected by violence, forced conversions, exclusion from services, and data invisibility, which undermines inclusive policymaking.
Women and gender minorities within these groups face compounded vulnerabilities, especially in areas of education, employment, healthcare, and legal protection. Despite legislative progress, their lived experiences remain marked by fear, isolation, and deprivation.
RDF’s Strategic Response: Building Inclusive Futures : Roshan Development Foundation (RDF) is committed to transforming this landscape through inclusive community-driven solutions. We believe that true progress depends on recognizing and uplifting under privileged communities and to amplify their voices. Our work is rooted in dignity, equity, and the belief that diversity is a national strength—not a liability. Roshan Development Foundation advances its mission through a range of integrated and community-led initiatives. To strengthen legal empowerment, RDF conducts legal literacy sessions in vulnerable communities and provides legal aid to individuals affected by forced conversions, blasphemy allegations, and gender-based violence. In the area of economic inclusion and livelihood support, we offer vocational training programs specifically designed for minority women, youth, and transgender persons. Our focus on equitable education access includes fostering inclusive learning environments, and introducing minority-sensitive curricula that promote respect and representation. RDF also prioritizes health and psychosocial support by organizing mobile clinics and health camps in underserved areas and offering trauma-informed mental health services for survivors of discrimination and violence. Finally, through dialogue, and coalition-building, we facilitate interfaith and interethnic dialogues to strengthen social cohesion, and actively engage with policymakers and civil society to drive inclusive legal and policy reforms.
Looking Ahead: RDF envisions a Pakistan where no one is left behind because of their religion, ethnicity, gender, or identity. By addressing root causes of exclusion, amplifying underprivileged voices, and fostering shared platforms for equity and justice, we aim to build a more democratic, peaceful, and inclusive society. Our work is more than service delivery—it’s a movement for systemic change. Because justice, dignity, and opportunity must belong to everyone.
C. Empowering the Youth of Pakistan: Roshan Development Foundation’s Vision: Pakistan stands at a critical demographic crossroads, home to one of the largest youth populations in the world. With nearly 60% of its citizens under the age of 24—approximately 140.5 million individuals as of 2023—the country possesses an immense human resource that, if empowered, can be a driving force for economic growth, social stability, and sustainable development. Yet, this demographic dividend remains underutilized, as young people continue to face entrenched barriers to education, employment, and civic engagement.
Despite constitutional guarantees such as Article 25-A, which affirms every child’s right to free and compulsory education, the education system remains deeply challenged. Over 26 million children are out of school, with girls comprising the majority. Enrollment drops sharply at higher levels, reflecting systemic inequalities and cultural constraints, particularly affecting girls in rural and underserved areas. The result is a generation at risk of being left behind, unequipped to participate in or contribute meaningfully to society.
The employment landscape is similarly bleak. In 2024, the youth unemployment rate stood at 9.9%, with many young people either jobless or underemployed due to a stark mismatch between academic training and labor market needs. Entrepreneurial aspirations are further dampened by limited access to finance, mentorship, and business networks. Simultaneously, youth remain largely excluded from civic and political processes, with minimal representation in policymaking and growing disillusionment fueled by economic insecurity and lack of agency.
In light of these pressing challenges, Roshan Development Foundation (RDF) envisions a future where all young people in Pakistan are empowered to realize their full potential. Through a comprehensive and inclusive youth development strategy, RDF seeks to address educational gaps, economic constraints, and social exclusion.
Recognizing the importance of skills development, RDF plans to offer market-relevant vocational training in areas such as digital literacy, coding, and entrepreneurship. Access to microloans and mentorship programs will be prioritized to foster youth-led enterprises and sustainable livelihoods.
To nurture leadership and civic responsibility, RDF will create safe platforms—youth forums, community initiatives, and leadership development programs—where young people can voice their concerns, contribute ideas, and engage in democratic processes. Mental health is another critical area of intervention, as anxiety, depression, and trauma affect growing numbers of youth. RDF through awareness campaigns promote mental well-being and reduce stigma.
Finally, RDF will advocate for inclusive and youth-focused policymaking by conducting evidence-based research and engaging with stakeholders at local and national levels. Through collaborative efforts, the Foundation aims to influence systemic change that reflects the voices and needs of young people.
By investing in the capabilities, creativity, and aspirations of Pakistan’s youth, Roshan Development Foundation seeks to catalyze a generational shift—one that transforms young lives and contributes to a more just, equitable, and inclusive society.
