SOCIAL MOBILIZATION AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

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SOCIAL MOBILIZATION AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
A STUDY IN SELECTED AREAS OF AJK (Page 10)

Written by Abid Ghafoor Chaudhry

3. Health

The general features of the populations regarding health were very poor due to poverty, but the project not only contributed in the income of the families, but also resultantly the improved economic status also enabled them to consult with the doctors. Following table depicts the same information:

Table 3.1: Health & Economic Empowerment

S. #	Level	F	Percent
1.	To only mother & child	--	--
2.	Whole family	240	100
3.	No effect	--	--
	Total	240	100

The health conditions were very poor among the respondents due to expensive medication. As the females started participating in the income generating activities, which subsequently contributed in raising of the income of the family, a change was observed. Improved economic status due to female contribution increased the purchasing power of the whole family, due to which they as compared to earlier situation felt less hesitation while consulting with the doctor. The respondents told that before becoming an earning hand they and their families mostly consulted the faith healers and herbalists. Regarding this very table the whole sample i.e. 100 percent responded that their earnings contributed in improving the health status of whole families.

4. Effect of Social Mobilization

The overall effects of the project and its social mobilization were positive. The respondents were satisfied with the project and its contributions that have been made to their lives and community in the longer fun. Table shows that;

Table 4: Extent of Effect of Social
Mobilization

Extent of Level	F	Percent
To a great extent	220	91.7
To some extent	20	8.3
Not at all	--	--
Total	240	100

91.7 percent of the respondents stated that the project and its mobilization has created a change in the area. People are now keen to send their females in all productive activities, which could eventually bring benefits to their individual as well as to their communal life. Only 8.3 percent were of the view that mobilization has changed the conservative attitude of the community to some extent.

As discussed in the portion of mobilization, the project's aim was to train people in a way through which they could improve their lives. Following the strategy of project, the officials contacted the people of the communities to form the organizations and make them economically active. As told by the officials, initially the people were found difficult and hesitant to listen when they were told that an amount would be given to their organization for the economic uplift, if they cooperate with the project staff. But this situation changed when some innovative people showed their consent to work with the new project. Few earlier examples and their good progress opened the doors of the community for the officials. Females also faced difficulties to go outside home for some economic activity but the emphasis of project on both segments, i.e. males and females eradicated the doubts and paved the way for women to do so. In this regard, the practically earned money provided the specimens for the community that if females are given opportunity and some financial assistance they can well contribute in the welfare of their families.