Women Empowerment and Economic Development-An Exploratory Study in Pakistan

Abstract

Women are the component of our society but still they have hindrances in getting their rights. Women should be empowered with their rights of education, health, security, jobs, skills, decision making authority, better living standard, and respect.  The research question of this paper is: Is Woman Empowerment responsible for the development of the economy? Questionnaires were completed by thirty female participants having higher positions in Banking, Education, and Transport sectors. Demographics characteristics and open-ended questions were asked from the participants. Open-ended questions were: ‘Do you agree that women should be empowered?’ ‘What do you think are the main hindrances in empowering women?’ ‘Do you think that women empowerment leads to the development of economy?’ ‘What suggestions do you have regarding women empowerment?’Findings indicate that men want their dominancy so they are not willing to empower women. Both men and women should work together in the society to bring prosperity. Women must raise voice for their rights and they should be self-confident. Empowering women is essential for the development of the economy.

Key terms: Women Empowerment, Gender, Economic Development, Inequality