Abstract
Women empowerment is a matter of key concern in national and international policymaking and activities of social
life. Nations cannot achieve their development goals if their women are discriminated. Significance of the issue
provided impetus to conduct this study. For this purpose District Faisalabad; a centrally located typical district of
Punjab (Pakistan) was selected and random sample of 340 married women of reproductive age (excluding
widows and divorced) was taken. Main objective of study was to explore the underlying phenomena of women’s
empowerment in socio-cultural context of study area. It was concluded on the basis of different statistical tools
with explanatory variables, family headship; paid job of women; observing veil; respondent’s education; conjugal
age; social networking; political participation; awareness about women rights; dowry and property given to
respondent at the time of marriage; and husband cooperation have statistically significant effect on women’s
empowerment. Findings of the study suggested revolutionary changes in female education that endorse gender
awareness and self esteem and legislation for developing enabling environment for women. Study urges GOs and
NGOs for their active participation in mobilizing and organizing women groups in order to promote awareness,
political interest, skill development and earning capabilities.
