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Engaging Men as Allies in Advancing Women's Economic Empowerment in Rural Pakistan
Abstract
Bedari's project, Empowering Women and Girls through Economic Skills, integrates literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship to enhance women's employability. A critical yet underexplored aspect of this initiative is the role of men in fostering women's financial independence and open education. Observations reveal that male support has led to transformative household dynamics, reducing financial stress for men while increasing women's empowerment and decision-making power. This study explores the experiences of men who actively encourage women's participation in income-generating activities and education. These success stories highlight changing mindsets, where traditional gender norms are being redefined, and families recognize the benefits of economic inclusivity. Men play a vital role in supporting women's access to open education by promoting lifelong learning and advocating for inclusive educational spaces within their communities. The research employs a qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews with men engaged in the project and focus group discussions (FGDs) with women beneficiaries. Through interviews, men share their motivations, challenges, and evolving perspectives on gender roles, illustrating their journey from passive observers to active allies. FGDs provide a comprehensive understanding of the women's lived experiences, detailing how male support influenced their economic participation and educational aspirations. By capturing these voices, the study presents a holistic picture of shifting gender dynamics in rural Pakistan. The session will present key insights, including personal testimonies, qualitative analysis of male allyship, and strategies for fostering inclusive economic and educational initiatives. Participants will engage in discussions on best practices for sustainable, gender-transformative programs. This initiative aligns with the PCF11 sub-theme, demonstrating how changing mindsets through community engagement can create pathways for inclusive education and economic empowerment for women. By highlighting the role of men in advancing gender equality, the study offers a replicable model for integrating male allyship into open education and economic empowerment programs worldwide.
PCF11 Sub-Theme: Gender, Technology and Innovation in Open Education
Paper ID: 1315
Country
Pakistan
Region
Asia
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Adobe PDF, 331.42 KB
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Date
2025-09
Author
ORCID
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Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)