Women's Empowerment and Marital Decision-Making in Rural Sinjavi, District Ziarat, Balochistan: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

The present study investigated the role of women in marital decision-making in rural Sinjavi, District Ziarat, Balochistan. Women's empowerment remains a critical issue in developing societies, particularly in tribal regions where cultural traditions and gender norms significantly influence women's autonomy.  In Sinjavi, women contribute substantially to household and agricultural activities; however, they possess limited authority in making decisions regarding their marriages. The traditional practice of Walwar (bride price), whereby marriage expenses are borne by the groom's family, creates economic challenges and often delays marriages. Combined with low literacy rates and limited awareness, these conditions affect women's ability to make informed marital decisions. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Primary data were collected from 60 rural women selected through random sampling using structured questionnaires, while 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted for qualitative insights. Secondary data were obtained from relevant books, reports, and scholarly literature. Findings revealed that approximately 81% of respondents had little or no participation in decisions concerning their marriages. Women's decision-making capacity was significantly associated with educational attainment and type of marriage. The study concludes that women's limited empowerment negatively affects family stability and social development. The study recommends increasing educational opportunities, awareness programs, and community-based interventions to strengthen women's participation in marital decision-making.

Keywords: Women Empowerment, Marital Decision-Making, Walwar, Pashtun Society, Gender Equality, Balochistan.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21073962