EFFECTS OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ON ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The dream of development in society is not feasible without significant empowerment and participation of women. More particularly in Pakistan, a number of substantial procedures have paying attention for women empowerment yet, their standing is still depressed purposely in rural community. This study attempted to find out, level of rural community women empowerment and influence of empowerment about healthcare access in Punjab, Pakistan. In this research OLS and Cronbach’s alpha method were applied for empirical estimation of collected data of 238 married women respondent. Different components scores about women empowerment were regressed over the healthcare access scores in the final estimation this research. Empirical estimates indicated as power of decision-making, self-esteem and mobility has positively and significantly affects access to health care while control over resource has positive but insignificant impact. It is suggested as education, adequate job opportunities and access to media are prerequisite for women empowerment and access to health care. In the aspect of study findings, for more empowering women literacy rate need to increased through provision of educational institutes in neighboring for easy access of schooling at doorstep and providing financial incentives for motivation. Increasing women participation in institutions particular quota about job opportunities need to reserve for ensuring suitable status in society.