SOCIAL HURDLES FOR RURAL WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

Author(s) : Farahnaz Gilal, Madeeha Randhawa, Tahmeena Solangi, Inayatullah Magsi

Abstract:

This study was conducted to analyze the hurdles that are impacting women's participation in economic development. Primary data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire from the two districts of Sindh: Hyderabad and Tando Allahyar. Data were collected from 215 female respondents using purposive sampling. The findings of the study reveal that most of the women living in rural areas of Sindh are illiterate. They are being deprived of their basic rights to receive education and take part in decision-making. More than half of respondents revealed that their parents believed that their daughters does not need to get an education and work outside the home. In contrast, 20% stated that one of the main obstacles to literacy was the shortage of separate schools for girls. The respondents urged that they were fully engaged in household activities, while they were partially involved in farm-related activities (crop and livestock). Results show that the income of women working in the service sector was higher. Still, those who were engaged in small businesses (i.e., shops selling handicrafts) were higher than those who were working in agriculture. So based on the results, the study suggests separate schools should be established for girls near residential areas in rural Sindh, and equal educational opportunities and wages should be given to the women.