DefinePK

Abstract

This study aims to explore the perceptions of women regarding their empowerment and to identify key socio-demographic factors influencing this empowerment. In the context of Pakistan, women’s empowerment is a crucial determinant for breaking cycles of poverty, reducing dependency, and improving overall health and mortality indicators. Despite global commitments and national efforts, Pakistan continues to experience slow progress in achieving gender equity, largely due to persistent social, cultural, and economic constraints. Adopting a quantitative and cross-sectional survey methodology, the research gathered data from 478 female students and alumni of two public universities. Data collection tools included the standardized Multidimensional Women Empowerment Scale by Hussain and Jullandhry (2020) and the Reproductive Autonomy Scale developed by Upadhyay et al. (2014). The study employed both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to analyze the data. Results indicate that demographic variables such as marital status, residential background (urban/rural), employment status, parental education, and occupational field significantly influence levels of women's empowerment. Notably, income level showed a strong positive correlation with overall empowerment scores. Moreover, participants from science and technology disciplines demonstrated higher levels of reproductive autonomy compared to their peers in arts and social sciences. The findings highlight the need for targeted policy reforms and awareness campaigns focused on education, economic opportunities, and healthcare access for women. This study provides evidence-based insights that can assist families, educators, and policymakers in designing effective, inclusive strategies to foster women’s empowerment in Pakistani society.