Effect of Women Empowerment on Wellbeing among Female Agricultural Workers in the Punjab, Pakistan: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Women’s empowerment is usually acknowledged as a vital contributing factor of social and economic development and human wellbeing. The present review article combines existing theoretical and empirical literature on the relationship between women empowerment and wellbeing. The article critically observes conceptual frameworks of wellbeing, its dimensions and measurement approaches as well as the multidimensional nature of empowerment. Moreover, this review further investigates the socio-economic challenges experienced by female agricultural workers including gender discrimination, workers’ exploitation and limited access to the resources in context of the Punjab, Pakistan. The evidences consistently demonstrate a strong positive relationship between empowerment and wellbeing. However, cultural constraints, institutional gaps and the structural inequalities continue to obstruct progress. The article concludes by emphasizing policy implications and future research directions intended to foster inclusive development and gender equity.