Effect of women empowerment on their fertility behaviour

ABSTRACT

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. A cross sectional study. The study was conducted in selected areas of Bahawalpur City. The data was collected from March to June 2003. 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. 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]. Efforts should be made to change the attitude of men that empowering woman is ultimately empowering the whole family