A Quest for Equality: Examining Women's Empowerment in Pakistan

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in practically every element of society, especially in poorer countries. Women depend on other people in many different ways. Education and a change in how society views women are excellent ways to empower women. Raising awareness and empowering girls in society can also be accomplished through using decision-making authority in the family, economy, and healthcare. In decision-making, money, and access to healthcare, the situation is evolving, and women are becoming more powerful. The study’s main objectives were to understand the socioeconomic and financial aspects of female empowerment in Pakistan. For this, 12,364 married women (15–49 years old) were selected from the PDHS 2017–18. Generally, women in AJK have greater authority than women elsewhere, while FATA women have much less influence. Regression research, however, revealed 16 variables that significantly affect women's empowerment. We used four proxies to empower people. According to this study, most married women were responsible for their homes, finances, and health care. Additionally, this study discovered that respondents from urban areas reported higher levels of empowerment than those from rural areas. Women actively seeking employment have greater influence over their personal, social, and financial lives than women who are not. This study recognizes the close relationship between women's empowerment and decision-making authority.