Challenges for participation of Women in domestic matters for sustainable family economic growth in Afghanistan
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Abstract
This study explores the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan at the domestic level and their implications for sustainable socio-economic growth. The study uses a qualitative approach incorporating both primary and secondary data to provide a comprehensive analysis of the challenges women confront within their households such as traditional norms, economic dependency and limited education, which collectively undermine women's ability to contribute effectively to domestic and economic decision-making. Furthermore, this study has used theory of participation to explore the connection of women participation at grassroot level and its effect on sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan. World Bank data 2023 revealed that the female labor force participation rate in Afghanistan dropped to 15.2%, moreover UN Women reported in 2022; 90% of Afghan women are either unemployed or working in informal, unpaid roles, primarily due to various socio-cultural hinderances, and lack of access to education. Furthermore, the findings of the study also underline the requirement of targeted interventions at grassroot level and recommend using a bottom-up approach which includes providing equal opportunities, cultural shifts and legal reforms for inclusive and sustainable development of the country
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