DefinePK

Abstract

This study aims to explore the socio-cultural determinants of women’s homelessness, with specific focus on residents of Dar-ul-Aman, District Jhang, and Pakistan. It delimits its scope to the lived experiences of shelter home women. Women’s homelessness in South Asia remains under-researched despite its deep roots in cultural, social, and economic structures. In Pakistan, cultural norms, domestic violence, gender inequalities, and economic deprivation intersect to intensify women’s vulnerability to housing instability. Understanding these dynamics is essential to address their unique challenges. A qualitative case study design was employed, using in-depth interviews with eight women residing in Dar-ul-Aman, followed by thematic analysis. Findings reveal that homelessness is shaped by cultural pressures, patriarchal values, strained family ties, and financial hardships. Domestic violence and lack of community support further exacerbate housing insecurity. The study underscores the persistence of systemic inequalities and sociocultural stigmas reinforcing women’s displacement. Context-specific interventions, gender-sensitive policies, and community-based support programs are recommended to empower marginalized women and mitigate homelessness in Jhang and similar regions.