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 3)

Written by Abid Ghafoor Chaudhry

Mishra (1993) looks at women's active political role in the management of natural resources in India. Studies in India have shown that the majority of the collection of Minor Forest Produce takes place in five central states of India, i.e. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Women play a dominant role in MFP economy with higher social status as they are actively participating in economic activities.

United Nations (1991) have discussed the interrelation of economic activity with social status of women. It seems that women actively participating in income generating activities are comparatively more dominant regarding their social status and ability in decision making. But usually every where women are paid less than men. In addition, men are more likely to have regular full-time work and receive greater seniority and benefits. However, it is difficult to measure the extent of difference and how it has changed because of limited data and the segregated nature of the labour force. In Cyprus, Japan and the Republic of Korea, women's wages are the lowest in relation to men's (about half). A few countries or areas report that women have wage rates, which range between 75 and 92 percent of men. Wages and salary employment is more stable and secure than self-employment but it is not always available to women and almost never with the same wages and benefits as for men. Several factors may be responsible for the continuing exclusion of women workers from many wage and salary jobs. One is men's domination of trade unions in developing regions. Another is employer's reluctance to hire and train women. Yet a third is employer's fear that women, as potential mothers, may demand social legislation favouring maternity leave with pay. And a fourth is the perception that women, who enter and leave the labour force more often, should be confined to marginal jobs.

Zia (1998) says that in Pakistan 3/4ths of women remain busy in household chores and other domestic assignments for more than 12 hours a day. Their low representation in national labour force needs to be explored. Data from labour force survey (1990-91) reveal that out of total 12.60 percent female participants in the labour force 8.31 percent are employed in agriculture and allied occupations. Out of this, 7.95 percent are working in rural areas who are usually unpaid family helpers. In the urban area 2.38 percent are shown as working. There may also be many unpaid family helpers. Therefore, actual earning females come down to about 2 percent.

Zia (1998) comments that our society is a male dominated society. All matters related to the outside world (out of home) are dealt by the male members. As a cultural value, all necessities of life are to be provided by men. Female participation in work especially outside the family holding is considered something to be ashamed of.