Women Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan

Abstract

Women entrepreneurship is a universal phenomenon which provides economic empowerment to the rural women by providingfinancial support to them. The study measured pre and post income of the women entrepreneurs, apart from describing their family, housing and educational patterns. The study further explored the required labor, skills and training deemed essential for the establishment of enterprise. It also investigated the social impacts of enterprise development. Lastly, the study examined the relationship if any between unemployment and enterprise development. In this research, theory of 'Marxist Feminism' has been used, that tell about inequality, economic empowerment, and division of labor in society is outcome of women entrepreneurship. Both Qualitative and Quantitative research designs have been used. Tool of data collection was an in-depth interview and questionnaires. Respondents were rural women who had worked as women entrepreneurs. In this research researcher explored women role in house hold and as an entrepreneur. Researcher also saw overall effects of women entrepreneurship and economic empowerment on rural women.