Description
Glass Ceiling is presumed to be a barrier to human development and gender equity among South Asian countries. However, limited studies have attempted to investigate this proposition. This study aims to explore a) factors that contribute towards women's empowerment, b) barriers, and c) coping strategies for (dis) empowerment. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews and four focused group discussions (FGD) were undertaken. All participants were female from three South Asian countries i.e. Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. For individual interviews, 13 participants were middle-aged adults, 6 were old-aged adults and 4 were young adults. FGD participants consisted of mixed age groups- young, middle-aged, and old. The study uses Nvivo software to perform thematic analysis. The study found that barriers to women's empowerment are remarkably similar across these three countries regardless of their social, religious, and economic differences. Women in these countries face barriers in individual mindset, family values, culture, distributive injustice, social culture/customs, etc. in their journey to empowerment. The study reveals that contributing factors for women's empowerment include girls’ mental training and exposure, family and society awareness, family and society acceptance, life stages regarding decision-making, etc. Further, the study suggests some remedial steps/ strategies which include; equipping girls/women with equal opportunities to grow within norms, mentoring a girl at home to build self-esteem and confidence, supporting women to raise voices for their rights, bringing a change in individual mindset as well as social customs and inclusion of women in decision making. The study concludes that one should understand barriers, comprehend women's empowerment factors, and operationalize coping strategies to foster women's empowerment. Women should be given basic human rights, shouldn’t be overprotected, and be dealt with justice. In due course, the role of governmental and non-governmental organizations is pivotal in creating awareness at both family and societal levels besides devising policies and their enforcement.
Key Words: Women Empowerment, Women Empowerment Dimensions, Women Empowerment Barriers, Women Empowerment Factors, Gender Equity.
| Full Name (In Capital Letters) | Dr Shazia Humayun |
|---|---|
| asst.prof.nbs.518@tuf.edu.pk | |
| Kurum / University / Affiliated Institution | The University of Faislabad |
| Akademik Ünvan/ Academic Title | Dr. |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Telefon / Phone Number | +923065079456 |
| Katılım Tipi /Participation Types | Çevrimiçi /Online |
| Sunum Dili /What Will Be The Presentation Language? | English |
| Where Do You Want to Publish the Full Text? | I will only send summary text |
