Investigating the Factors Affecting Female Work Participation in Pakistan: A Case Study from Multan Division

Abstract

The present study sheds light on the factors affecting female work participation in the Multan division, being part of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Empowering females economically may uplift the standard of living of their families as well as helps to reduce the poverty rates in the economy. Female labor force participation also contributes to improving the human capital of the less developed countries like Pakistan. Primary data has been collected through a field survey, having a sample size of 350 females during the year 2020. The findings of the study conclude that education attainment, women's age, husband's education, marital status, access to credit are significantly influencing the female work participation in the Multan division. The study suggested that a proper policy framework should be designed by the government to encourage females towards labor force participation. Moreover, the provision of short-term loans would be helpful to participate in different economic activities, like small business enterprises.