Exploring socio-cultural factors influencing women empowerment; a case study of shopping malls in Islamabad

Abstract

Pakistan is among the countries where gender discrimination in all fields of life is apparent. Women’s rights are violated and exploited. Moreover, women do not have their voice or independent opinion; even they are not given the right to decide about their life. Persisting socio-cultural norms and patriarchal structure of Pakistani society restricts women’s mobility, their participation in paid job and also deprives them from their rights e.g. inherited property. It is a common perception that nations cannot make remarkable progress in any fields of life until their women are exploited and discriminated. Therefore, there is a need of empowering women for uplifting their status as well as the status of their family, community and nation. Keeping in view, the significance of the issue, present study was conducted. Main objectives of the study were to measure the empowerment level of women in study area and to identify the socio-cultural factors that influence women’s empowerment especially for the women who work in the malls around Islamabad. For this purpose a sample of 10-12 mid to low level income generating women were taken, working in different areas such as security guards, mall receptionists, sales women at stalls for health and beauty products, receptionists at stores and restaurants as well as cleaning ladies (Ayaas). Information regarding demography, household, locality and other socio-cultural variables was collected through a structured interview guide. In order to understand the complexity of the phenomenon of women’s empowerment, key informant interviews were also conducted by using semi structured interview schedule of the administration of the malls which were entry points for the research. The univeriate/descriptive analysis indicated that majority of women had lack of resources, their paid job involvement was negligible although it was due to the economic consequences that they took up such jobs , they were less educated maximum till intermediate, and had low level of awareness about their rights. They had less decision making ability, less control over resources, less mobility and lower level of participation in family discussions. In contrast, they had moderate level of social networking and were receiving good cooperation of their husbands in daily affairs at times, were learning new things due to the nature of their job while gaining confidence each passing day. The analysis based on key informant interviews revealed that safe and secure future of women ensures their empowerment. The inference of the study suggests dynamic change in female education can bring greater knowledge and self-esteem. This study also highlights the importance of active participation of government and non government agencies for mobilizing and organizing women groups, and thereby developing their awareness level, inherent skills and earning capabilities and capacities.