Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

The empowerment of women is an active multi-dimensional process which enables women to realize their full identity and powers in all spheres of life. Empowerment represents the ability of women to handle responsibilities, to envision a better future and to work to overcome the obstacles that confront them. Empowerment can be measured by using selective indicators, such as active contribution in the household, the workplace and the community. The United Nation Conference on population and development (ICPD) held at Cairo in 1994, brought to the fore of the population community the concept of women’s empowerment. The ICPD had considered that the empowerment and autonomy of women helps to improve their political, social economic and health status. The ICPD’s plan of action also stated that, improving the status of women also enhance their decision making capacity at all levels of life, especially in the area of sexuality and reproduction.