EFFECT OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ON THEIR FERTILITY BEHAVIOUR

Women Empowerment

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to: (1) find out the association between women empowerment and number of children, (2) evaluate any association between women empowerment and use of contraceptives. 
Design: A cross sectional study. 
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in selected areas of Bahawalpur City. The data was collected from March to June 2003. 
Subjects and Methods: A total number of 872 households were selected by systematic random selection from upper, middle and lower class.  Data was collected from eligible respondent (currently married women of reproductive age group 15-49 year having at least one child of 3 years age) through a pre-designed questionnaire. Independent variable empowerment of women was calculated by giving score to education, occupation and autonomy at micro level.  Dependent variables (fertility and use of contraception) were assessed for significance by applying chi square test. 
Result: 41.9% high empowered women were in the opinion that birth of a male child did not provide security (p<.001). A strong positive association between level of empowerment and contraception use (p<.001). There is negative association between women empowerment and number of children (p<.001).
Conclusion: Efforts should be made to change the attitude of men that empowering woman is ultimately empowering the whole family.