Almost half of rural Punjab women don’t have digital ID cards: Survey

62% Of young women in Punjab use cellphones

islamabad — Only 56 per cent of young women have computerised national identity cards (CNIC) in rural areas of Punjab, a survey conducted by the Punjab Commission on Status of Women revealed on Friday.

The survey showed that as compared to rural areas, 64 per cent women of 18 years or above in the urban centres have computerised national identity cards.

Fewer CNICs were issued to women in Punjab (41%) as compared to men (59%), it said. In the 2018 general election, 69 per cent of young women exercised their right to vote as compared to 32 per cent in the 2013 election.

Around 62 per cent of young women used cell phones in Punjab (71% urban) while 34 per cent have computer literacy.

The survey found that 21 per cent young women have access to internet and out these 82 per cent participate in social media forums.

The survey stressed that the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) should eliminate the gender gap in issuance of CNICs and voter registration through extensive campaigns especially in high schools and colleges.

The survey also reveled that early marriages and early motherhood restrict choices for women to participate in any kind of activity.

Women in general and young women in particular face barriers that restrict their economic mobility and work. The survey said that 31 per cent of women work but only one third are in paid employment. The survey also found that only nine per cent of women in Punjab have accounts at a bank or use mobile banking. —