DECISION-MAKING TRAJECTORIES OF WORKING WOMEN IN AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Abstract

The position of working women has been subject of debate across societies. However, they remained unexplored in many developing countries including, Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This study was conducted to know the intersection of working women’s decision-making in AJK. The main objective was to examine the inclusion of working women in decision-making within the family. We used quantitative research design and conducted a cross-sectional study. We employed a random sampling technique and collected data of 98 respondents using questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that working women are included in the decision-making process within the family. They receive overwhelming responses from family members in the decision-making process. They also decide their personal matters including health as well as take educational decisions of their children. Here, we substantiate the argument of Crenshaw (1989) that structural inequalities disproportioned women in public spheres. However,working women’s inclusion in decision-making is a good gesture for the women’s progress in the state of AJK.