INTERPLAY OF EDUCATION IN THE LIVES OF FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT WOMEN: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of education in the lives of financially independent women, of Chitral, KPK, and explores that whether there is a difference in the status and position of educated and uneducated financially independent women. By utilizing qualitative research approach, twelve financially independent women from Chitral KPK were interviewed for the present study, among which six were educated and six were uneducated to analyze how education shapes the roles and responsibilities of financially independent women. Semi structured interview guide was used to conduct interviews from twelve participants from Chitral KPK. The study finds that uneducated women face more severe problems and social criticism, while educated women have a significant improvement in work life balance and societal respect, particularly for those in teaching jobs. The findings of the study reveal that educated women were more empowered in terms of having societal respect, participation in decision making and maintaining work life balance. The findings show the importance of education in women life and helping them to increasing their financial stability, and contribute significantly to their communities. This highlights how crucial it is to have rules that support women’s access to higher education in order to sustain gender equality in Pakistan.

Key words: Education, Financially independent women, Empowerment, Decision making