Conclusion
Women in Jutial, Gilgit-Baltistan are playing a transformative role in reshaping household economics and rural development. Far from being passive participants, they are active participants of change — contributing meaningfully through agriculture, small businesses, and non-farm income activities. This research highlights their growing involvement in generating income, managing resources, and influencing decisions that impact the socio-economic fabric of their families and community.
In the agricultural sector, women are engaged in vital roles such as cultivating crops, managing kitchen gardens, and raising poultry and livestock. Their involvement spans from planting and harvesting to food processing and marketing. According to global data by the FAO, women comprise about 43% of the agricultural labor force in developing countries, and our study confirms that this trend holds true in this specific area as well.
But their contribution doesn’t end there. In addition to farming, women are also involved in stitching, beauty parlors, private tuition centers, canteen services, and food distribution. These non-farm income streams not only supplement their household income but also reflect a clear shift in traditional gender roles. This evolution is helping to reduce dependency on male earnings and empowering women with financial independence, which is a critical step toward gender equality.
One of the most significant findings of this study is the positive correlation between education and economic empowerment. Women with higher education levels are more likely to manage income-generating activities, access resources, and make informed decisions for their families. As reported by UN Women, education remains one of the most effective tools for women’s empowerment, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and participate actively in public life.
However, despite these positive trends, barriers remain. Women often face social and cultural constraints that limit their mobility, access to land ownership, credit, and markets. Many are still excluded from formal financial systems and agricultural subsidies. Moreover, age, larger family size, and lack of supportive infrastructure can further reduce their capacity to contribute economically. This mirrors broader patterns seen across rural Pakistan and is backed by research from the World Bank.
To harness the full potential of women in agriculture and household economics, a multi-layered approach is needed:
- Education & Skill Training: Investing in rural female education and vocational training programs is essential. Women should have access to agricultural training, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills to grow sustainable livelihoods.
- Access to Resources: Policies must improve women’s access to land, credit, irrigation tools, and farm inputs. Government-backed microfinance or cooperatives can enable them to scale their efforts.
- Legal & Workplace Protection: As many women work informally, the legal protection against workplace harassment must be strengthened, especially for women working outside the home.
- Market Linkages: Establishing women-led agricultural cooperatives and facilitating their connection with local and regional markets can boost income and community visibility.
- Climate Resilience: As climate change increasingly affects crop production and water resources, women must be included in adaptation planning and given access to climate-resilient tools and practices.
The case of Jutial exemplifies how empowering women in agriculture not only benefits individual households but also contributes to national development. When women earn, they invest in education, health, and food — all key pillars of sustainable development. According to IFAD, development outcomes are significantly improved when women are fully included in rural economies.
This research reaffirms that real development in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan cannot be achieved without recognizing and uplifting the contribution of women. Local, provincial, and federal governments must implement gender-responsive policies and ensure representation of women in planning and decision-making processes. This includes setting up women-specific agricultural support centers, financial schemes, and legal aid systems in rural areas.
In the face of growing rural poverty and environmental challenges, the role of women becomes even more critical. Women are not only food producers but also educators, caregivers, and community builders. By tapping into their full potential, we pave the way for more equitable, resilient, and food-secure rural societies.
The women of Jutial have already taken the lead in redefining gender norms and contributing to household income. Now it is time for institutions, communities, and policymakers to respond with systems of support that acknowledge their efforts, protect their rights, and amplify their voices.
Empowering women is not just an ethical duty — it is a practical solution to economic stagnation, poverty, and inequality. The seeds of rural transformation have already been planted. With the right support, they will grow into a future where women thrive as leaders, landowners, and entrepreneurs — shaping a stronger, more sustainable Earth. “This conclusion is based on the author’s original field research conducted in Jutial, Gilgit-Baltistan in 2022.”