The role of social Mobilization in women empowerment in rural areas: Evidence from Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

This research paper is based on the qualitative findings of the longitudinal study titled, “Participatory Action Research on Dynamics of Household Poverty and Inclusive Development in Balochistan with a Focus on Women’s Empowerment”. The study was conducted under the European Union-funded BRACE Programme. Based on the qualitative results of the longitudinal study, this research tries to gauge the role of social mobilizations impart women empowerment in rural areas. Evidently social mobilisation can contribute positively to empowering women in exercising their rights at individual, household, and community levels in rural Pakistan. However, it’s a long term process. Social mobilisationinstils empowerment through social interactions among womenfolk while raising their awareness about various socio-economic facets. It gives women understanding about new perspective on their lives at the household and the community levels. However, in this regard engaging the support of men is essential. When men become alliesin this process, they understand and support gender equality and see empowerment of women as societal benefit.