WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT IN NWFP: A CIVIL SOCIETY AND PUBLIC SECTOR INITIATIVE

The study conducted in 2004-05 and it investigated the complex nature of household livelihoods among rural women. It also assessed the overall gender and livelihood improvement in the province through D-Fund activities in the four regions established under the project. Out of total 21 interventions 11 (50%) are studied with specific reference to women. The major areas addressed through the project interventions include enterprise development and crop management skills. Interestingly, these efforts led to the attitudinal change in men of household who benefited from D-fund activities. Men acknowledge the due role of women in household overall development that is an indicator of rural women empowerment and livelihood improvement at the grass-roots level. It is very encouraging to note that 80% CBOs are still active and playing their due role in skills development of the community. A high percentage of female (56%) registered with CBOs are of the most economically active age group 20 -34 years. The CBOs members in Eastern and Northern region were more vibrant and empowered because of high literacy rate (85% in Northern region) and awareness about their role in development. Because of high literacy, sustainability of the project interventions is more in this region. About 97 (86%) respondent out of total 112 believed that because of project D-Fund initiatives household incomes have increased considerably.