Disparate Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdowns in Pakistan Affecting Girls and Rural Residents

Pakistan Agriculture Education Financial Inclusion Social Protection

Disparate Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdowns in Pakistan Affecting Girls and Rural Residents

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Researchers

Syed Hasan, Attique Rehman, Wendong Zhang

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility of working and studying from home in Pakistan, using the 2018–19 Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) Survey released recently. PSLM is a nationally representative household survey with extensive information on employment outcomes, educational attainment, internet and TV access, and hand-washing facility. Following Dingel and Neiman (2020)’s approach, researchers define jobs that can be done from home for urban and rural districts. The research team also investigates the possibilities for students to study from home via TV or internet.

Partners

Lahore University of Management Sciences

Key Findings

Only 10 percent of jobs in Pakistan can be done from home, and rates are even lower for rural residents, as so many of Pakistan’s workers are in low-skill, low-paying service industries and cannot work from home. Results also highlight the homeschooling challenges students face, given low rates of access to TV and the internet. Pre-existing inequalities in which many rural female students already lack educational opportunities will further compound these difficulties. Results highlight the need for states' financial support for vulnerable workers and expanded internet access for both teaching and effective job performance.

Link to Results

Full working paper available here

Impact Goals

  • Build resilient and adaptable businesses and employment opportunities
  • Improve social-safety net responses
  • Improve women’s health, safety, and economic empowerment
  • Keep children safe, healthy, and learning

Results Status

Results