ECONOMIC MOBILIZATION AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: A STUDY IN VILLAGE KARIMABAD HUNZA

The present study focuses on the economic empowerment of working women by contributing in household economy by working both inside and outside their homes. The study was conducted in the village of Karimabad in district Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan. Data was collected from 100 respondents with the help of simple random sampling technique, after building a sampling frame of working women in the area with the help of key informants. The study utilized various data collection methods like socio economic census forms, case studies, participant observation, and key informant method. The study shows a significant yet unrecognized role of women in the economy, where they work both inside and outside their homes. Mostly the women working inside their homes engaged in agriculture, handicraft and vocational work, while women working outside the premises of their homes were involved in various educational, Community Based Organizations, NGOs and Public Organizations. Tabulated data shows that 63% were attached with miscellaneous professions categorized as others occupations like teachers, professors, clerks, lower division clerks, shopkeepers and restaurant owners. While, 25% worked in different Community Based Organizations, NGOs and Public Organizations and 12% were attached with agriculture, poultry farming, handicrafts and sewing clothes.