GENDERED PATHS TO PROSPERITY: ASSESSING EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

So as to assess the gendered paths to prosperity regarding education and economic opportunities in rural Balochistan this research was carried out. A simple random sampling technique was utilized to select 200 female respondents. Two districts like Quetta and Pishin were selected. SPSS was used to analyze the findings. Findings revealed that 26–35 age group was the most represented, peaking at 71 female respondents. Nearly half the sample (46%) having no formal schooling, participation levels steadily erode at every subsequent stage, with only 9% reaching higher education. A significant majority (71.5%) of respondents were believed an educated woman in a rural setting is significantly more empowered than an uneducated one. When including those who believe she was "somewhat" more empowered, the total cumulative percent to 92.5%. Financial incentives appear to have a strong positive impact on families' willingness to send daughters to school. Following recommendations was proposed. Skill development program for females regarding livestock management, garments, agriculture activities, tailored mastering, handicraft skills should be planned at village level in order to improve female socio-economic conditions within the cover of local norms and conditions.