Managing Women Empowerment - An Analytical Study on Socioeconomic Conditions of Women Living in Karachi

Abstract

In this research study, an investigation on the socio-economic conditions and historical background of women living in Orangi Town, Karachi, has been chosen, and the purpose of selecting this subject is to get factual information about the lives of women living in this town. The main objective was to scrutinize the actual position of women in socioeconomic contribution and examine their economic status in society. The researcher selected a quantitative research methodology. The research sample consisted of about two hundred (200) women. The researcher used a self-administrative questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. Paid (stitching, embroidery, beauticians, teachers, etc.) and unpaid (homemakers) women were selected as respondents to the research. The study results reveal a strong male-dominant social structure in Orangi town, and women cannot participate in any decision-making activities in public or private spheres of life. The standard education system, patriarchal society, religious misconceptions, the low participation level of women in decision-making, the low level of economic activities, and financial weakness are the main reasons for the decline in the socioeconomic status of women in Orangi town. The researchers suggested that public and private sectors should assist women in small-scale businesses; high-standard educational opportunities because these opportunities increase women's socioeconomic conditions in Orangi town, Karachi.