Social Science Review

 

Empowerment among Educated Women: A Study on Rajshahi City   Md. Shahidul Islam[*]   Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Keywords		Abstract
Women empowerment, Urban Bangladesh, Decision-Making, Rajshahi metropolis, Educated women		The current research is related to educated women empowerment in Bangladesh, where Rajshahi metropolis has been selected as the research area. Information has been collected from 81 women purposively selected from 3 wards of Rajshahi city through social survey. The present research has been conducted with three objectives in mind, namely-to-know the socio-economic context of educated women empowerment in Bangladesh, the current status of women empowerment and the impact of women empowerment in urban Bangladesh. It can be seen that, the selected women in the research are educated and for being educated, they are involved in various earning activities. As a result of which women can participate in family decision-making process. Besides, almost all the women included in the study have their own savings. So it can be said that, the women of Bangladesh are currently pioneers in terms of empowerment.

 

Introduction

Empowerment means giving power and authority. Women empowerment means giving power and authority to women (Dhar, 2023). Women empowerment is a core issue of contemporary development. It underscores the nation that woman are active agents, not passive recipient of development outcomes. Indeed, without empowering women-half of the world population-national emancipation and development remain a far cry. Empowerment facilitates women's full and effective participation in political, economic, social and cultural life, making them stronger and more confident to take control of their actions and lives (Rahman, 2020). Women empowerment can be defined to promoting women's sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choice and their right to influence social change for themselves and others (World Vision Australia, 2024). On the other hand women's empowerment refers to the process of increasing women's access to control over the strategic life choice that affect them and access to the opportunities that allow them fully to realize their capacities (Chen & Tanaka, 2014). The empowerment of women has been characterized by considering a multidimensional issue which can be indicated by education, occupation, discuss family planning with partners, household decision making, freedom movement, age at marriage, political representation and legal rights (Paul, Sarker, & Naznin, 2016). 

Women empowerment being the subject of the concern among the policy makers of developing countries, the integration of women into the development process and therefore their participation in economic activities along with men, have been gaining importance in many national development plans. Empowerment facilitates women to access resources such as food, land, income and other forms of wealth and social resources such as knowledge, power, prestige within the family and community (Dixon, 1978). Gender equality is, first and foremost, a human right. A women is entitled to live in dignity and freedom. Empowering women is also an indispensable tool for the advancing development and reducing poverty. Empowered women contribute to the health and productivity of whole families and communities and improved prospects for the next generation (Konwar, 2020). The U.S. Agency for International development (USAID) affirms that gender equality and women’s and girl's empowerment are fundamental for the realization of human rights and key to effective and sustainable development outcomes (USAID, 2023). 

Our present study conducted in an urban area. In most cases, urban women are in better condition than the rural women but there are two exceptional cases, such as household expenditure decision and freedom of movements. There is 5% more women in village can take household expenditure decision than the women in cities. 30% women in rural areas having the freedom of movement facility whatever only 18% urban women enjoy it (Akter & Asad, 2019). Now a days, the protection of women right is very important whenever the empowerment of women can be protected. Bangladesh has also advanced regulations for protecting women's right and privileges, and due to more women receiving education, progress continues to expand in women's participation in the labour force (USAID, n.d.). So we can say that women empowerment is increasing rapidly in both rural and urban areas in Bangladesh, as a result of which women can easily participate in various family activities. 

 

Objectives of the Research

The objectives of the study are:

1. To know about the socio-economic context of educated women empowerment in urban areas of Bangladesh;
2. To observe the current status of women empowerment; and
3. Highlighting the impact of women's empowerment in urban Bangladesh.

 

Methodology

In the present research, data have been collected from two sources, secondary and primary source. Various books, journals, research articles etc. have been used as secondary source. Selected women of Rajshahi City have been used as primary source. In the case of women’s selection, their educational qualification is considered to be at least SSC. Since the research work is related to the empowerment, educated women has been selected to know about their level of empowerment. In the research, information has been collected from the women of 3 wards of Rajshahi City. Initially, the 30 wards of Rajshahi metropolis have been divided into 3 parts namely- ward No. 1-10, 11-20 and 21-30. from each section 27, 27 and 27 women were selected purposively from the word 2, 13 and 27 respectively and data was collected from them using social survey method. Data were collected by face to face interview technique. A structured questionnaire was used in this regard following social survey method.

 

Women Empowerment in urban Bangladesh

Education is one of the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to participate fully in the development process (Konwar, 2020). Education is a dominant factor affecting decision making power of women. Hence, it is expected that with the rise of educational level, decision making power of women will also be increased and they will have more access to political power and decision making both at state, institution and household levels (Islam, 2012). 

 

Table 1: Educational Qualification Pattern of the Respondents

Educational Qualification	Population	Percentage
S.S.C	18	22.22
H.S.C	17	20.99
Honours	21	25.93
Master's	25	30. 86.
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

We know an effective tool for empowerment is education. The higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. The present research work has carried out in urban areas where the education rate is high and the number of highly educated people is also high. The research shows that the number of women doing Honors and Masters in this area is more (56.79%). As the present study deals with women empowerment and its impact, the educational qualification of women has been purposively taken up to minimum SSC and data has been collected on that basis. The more highly educated women are, the more they are engaged in gainful employment, thereby increasing their employment, empowerment.

 

Table No. 2: Occupational Pattern of Respondents

Occupation	Population	Percentage
Job	35	43.21
Housewife	14	17.28
Business	08	9.88
Student	15	18.52
Retired	09	11. 11
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
40,001 - 50,000	13	16.05
50,001 - 60,000	18	22.22
60,001 +	04	4.94
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
40,001 - 50,000	13	16.05
50,001 - 60,000	18	22.22
60,001 +	04	4.94
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
40,001 - 50,000	13	16.05
50,001 - 60,000	18	22.22
60,001 +	04	4.94
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
40,001 - 50,000	13	16.05
50,001 - 60,000	18	22.22
60,001 +	04	4.94
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
40,001 - 50,000	13	16.05
18	22.22
4.94

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
40,001 - 50,000	13	16.05
50,001 - 60,000	18	22.22
60,001 +	04	4.94
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
40,001 - 50,000	13	16.05
50,001 - 60,000	18	22.22
60,001 +	04	4.94
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Occupation is an important factor in determining a person's position. In the current research, the occupation of women can be seen as an important issue because the occupation of women determines their position in the society. Since most of the respondents in the study are highly educated, the effect of that higher education is also noticeable in terms of occupation. It can be seen that in the research, 43.21 percent of women are involved in various types of job. Besides, there are 17.28 percent housewives, who play an important role in providing education to their children even if they do not work. There are a small number of respondents who are involved in various businesses including boutique houses from which they earn their income. There are 15 respondents who are currently studying and are housewives but are included in different type of education including open university and hence they are mentioned as students in the study. Besides, data was also collected from some (11.11%) respondents who were retired from employment. Research shows that those with higher incomes are more empowered in the family. Besides, important thing is noticeable in the research is that the interest of getting education of women and the tendency to be associated with income whenever they can play an important role in decision-making in the family and in the society.

 

Table No. 3: Monthly income distribution of respondents

Amount of income	Population	Percentage
0 - 10,000	06	7.41
10,001 - 20,000	08	9.88
20,001 - 30,000	12	14.81
30,001 - 40,000	20	24.69
40,001 - 50,000	13	16.05
50,001 - 60,000	18	22.22
60,001 +	04	4.94
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

A woman is economically empowered when she has both the ability to succeed and advance economically and the power to make and act on economic decisions (Golla, Malhotra, Nanda, & Mehra, 2016). In the current research, the association of education rate and education with income is considered to be an important factor. As education is linked to awareness creation and income, it is natural to reflect conscious attitudes. The research shows that some of the housewives earn a small income by private tutoring of other students. Moreover, those who work tend save their income, it can be seen that working people earn 30 thousand to 60 thousand or more. Besides, the income of those who do low- paying jobs is between 10,000 to 20,000. Those who retire from service get a small amount of pension from there. But those who get a small amount of money from pension their role in family decision-making is quite important because they have been able to acquire land or house ownership while in employment or with lump sum of pension money. Those who are currently employed can participate equally with men in decision-making processes at the family as well as social level.

 

Table No. 4: Patterns of opportunities for respondents to participate in important family decision-making.

Opportunities for participating in decision making	Population	Percentage
Spontaneous opportunity to participate in all cases	52	64.20
Opportunity to participate in some cases	21	25.93
No opportunity to participate	08	9.87
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

To participate in decision making is a fundamental right: however, women do not always experience agency when it comes to decision making across various areas. Discriminatory sociocultural practices often attribute a lower status to women than men, preventing women from sharing in decision making (Kirwood, Railana, Alom, & Dibley, 2023). There are various important issues in a family such as marriage, deciding the education of children specially what kind of school to study choosing, the source of income, determining the sector of expenditure, deciding how much to save etc. Women's participation is considered as an important indicator of empowerment.

 

It can be seen in the current research area that women can participate spontaneously in making various important decisions of the family with a percentage of 64.20. Besides, there is a large proportion of respondents (25.93%) who can participate in decision-making in some but not all cases (Table No. 4). Only a few respondents cannot participate in any decision making. So, by analyzing the above table we can say that women in Bangladesh are quite pioneers in terms of empowerment.

 

Table No. 5: Types of freedom of respondents to choice their career.

The types of behaviour	Population	Percentage
Forced into certain professions	12	14.81
Freedom in career choice	62	76.54
No opportunity to choose career outside the home	7	8.65
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

The relationship between education and profession is very close. The more highly educated people in a society are, the more they are associated with gainful occupations. This is specially applicable to Bangladesh. In the society, people associated with high income occupations exercise more power. Similarly women who are educated in higher education can freely choose profession. The present study is conducted in urban areas where women are educated and can freely choose occupations in majority (76.54%), however, in some cases there are familial constraints on career choices, especially when husbands or other family members feel that women prefer fields where they can commute from home to work. Besides, the interest of the family can be observed in the case of women engaging in the teaching profession even though the financial benefits are less. In the present study, the number of people forced into certain professions is 14.81 percent. Besides, the number of people who do not have the opportunity to choose a career outside the home is low (8.65%) observed in the present study (Table No. 5). So women's freedom to choose their own profession indicates their empowerment 

 

Table No. 6: Patterns of opportunities of respondents to participate in social activities or events outside the home

Opportunity to participate	Population	Percentage
Have	76	93.83
Do not have	05	6.17
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

In the society of Bangladesh, apart from family activities, people participate in various social activities or events or institutional activities outside the family. This participation rate is not equal in terms of men and women. Conservative families of the country, families with low level of education or families whose family members are unaware of the participation rate of women in various events- institutional activities outside the family boundary is low. However, due to the satisfactory progress in the education rate of the country's people, resulting in increased awareness, neither conservatism nor superstition can keep people conservative. This is proven in the current research. It can be seen that women in the research area participate in various social activities outside the home as well as various events and institutional activities with rate of 93.83 percent (Table No. 6). In this case the family does not create any obstacle. There are very few respondents (6.17%) who cannot participate in various social activities outside the home. Religious values оr patriarchal mentality and sometimes lock of awareness are the probable causes behind this.

 

Table No. 7: Role played in determining family's daily food menu

Role in determining food list	Population	Percentage
Self	29	35.80
Husband	21	25.93
Both	27	33.33
Others	4	4.94
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Food is one of the basic human needs. A family’s food menu depends on the family's affluences. Generally, the food menu of a financially independent family will be rich than that of a financially poor family. Again there is a close relation of nutrition with the family’s daily food list on family management. In the present study, the issue of determining the daily food list has been seriously considered. It can be seen that the taste, plan or interest of almost all members of the family is given importance in determining the family's food list.

However, in a conscious family, no one is given priority in determining the food list, rather the role of husband and wife is given mоrе in this case. This is consistent with current research. It can be seen that in 33.33 percent of the cases, the food list is prescribed by both husband and wife. How even, the significant thing is that 35.80 percent of women in the study area are sole decision- makers in determining their family's food menu, which can be seen an indicator of women's empowerment. 

 

Table No. 8: Distribution of the respondents have savings in their own name or not

Have savings or not	Population	Percentage
Yes	70	86.42
No	11	13.58
Total	81	100.00

Source: Field Data

 

Household savings are closely related to household financial solvency. If the combined income of the family is high, the savings of the family is high. It can be seen that traditionally in Bangladesh, male members have been given priority in terms of family savings, that is, in bank, insurance company and in any financial institution are held saving in the name of male members. However, in the current research area, the issue has been observed differently. In the research, money is saved in the name of male member in bank insurance or any other financial institution, but money is also saved in the name of female members. It can be seen that 86.42 percent of women members have money saved in banks, insurance, government or private financial institutions. There are very few female members (13.58%) who have no savings in their name. However, the reason for this is that if savings is in the name of their husbands, it will not create any problem in terms of their own security. Besides, there are some female members among them who do not do any kind of job or are not associated with any important earning activities.

 

Conclusion:

The current research title is “Empowerment among Educated Women: A Study on Rajshahi City” where data have been collected from selected educated women of Rajshahi metropolis. As we know, education is an important tool in empowering women and the higher the level of education, the higher the possibility of having a higher level of empowerment. That is why, the research has been conducted by selecting women who have studied from SSC to Masters. Since women are educated in the study, a large proportion (43.21%) of women are employed in occupational settings. Besides, others are engaged in some form of income-generating activity even if they are not employed. As a result, a large proportion of women (64.20%) can participate spontaneously in taking important decision in the family. The number who do not have the opportunity to participate in decision-making is very small. Although currently established in a patriarchal society in Bangladesh, but women enjoy freedom in various fields as shown in the current research area. A large proportion (76.54%) of women in the research enjoy full freedom in choosing their profession. In addition all women (98.83%) have the opportunity to participate in various social activities or events outside the home. Selection of daily food menu of the household can be seen as an important dimension in women's empowerment in Bangladesh. In the research area, it can be seen that in the selection of the family's food list, in most cases, women decide the food list both by themselves or husband and wife combined. Besides, one of the important determinants of women empowerment is that whether they have any savings in their own name or not. It can be seen that, most of the women (86.42%) have savings in their own name in the study area.

 

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