Macroeconomic Analysis of Women Empowerment in Pakistan

Abstract

The empowerment of women is a highly debated phenomenon in the world. Women’s empowerment is not only linked with fundamental human rights but is also necessary for transitioning into developing human societies. This study examines the impact of various macroeconomic indicators namely the participation rate of females in the labor force, the Human development index, government spending on education, financial development, access to technology, and the impact trade of openness on women's empowerment by considering time series data for the period of 1990-2024. For estimation, Fully modified and Dynamic ordinary least square techniques are used. Results revealed that the Gender Inequality Index is negatively influenced by the Human Development Index, economic expansion, trade openness, financial development, and labor force participation rate of females. The findings also suggest that government spending on education and technology has a positive impact on the Gender Inequality index. However, women's empowerment in Pakistan has increased due to economic growth, trade openness, female labor force participation, Human Development Index, and financial development. On the other hand, the empowerment of women has decreased due to technology and government spending on education. It is suggested that government should increase its spending on women and girls’ education and also their access to financial services. information and communication technology for reduction of gender inequality and improving the situation of women empowerment in Pakistan.