The objectives of this paper are to assess and analyze gender issues in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Pakistan, and then to identify policy options for promoting gender equality. Using a case study of the Government College of Technology at Railway Road (GCT-RR) in Punjab Province, this paper reviews the recent reform that took place in its Department of Architecture, transforming its student population from boys only into coed. The paper also analyzes how the transformation was made possible and how it helped girls overcome the gender barrier, and then identifies outstanding gender issues to be solved by further policy action. The research finds the mismatch between the labor market and the male-oriented government education institution, and shows that girls are left behind in TVET in Pakistan. While there are still many cases in which access to TVET is restrictive to girls, the GCT-RR’s Department of Architecture’s decision to open its door to female applicants has been significant for overcoming the gender barrier both in TVET and the labor market in Pakistan, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
