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This paper presents a critical study of self-employed women conducted in selected towns of Karachi. The nine hundred women who participated in this study were found living and working in the squatter settlements where basic amenities of life are almost not existent; with no outside assistance, in the form of loans, skill development and legal protection, these women are left to fend for them. Karachi in many ways mirrors the real image of Pakistan- a country whose development progress is marred by flawed institutions, diminishing democratic principles, under utilization of human and natural resources and is now caught in a fierce struggle for its survival. This paper seeks to answer some pertinent questions: what is progress? How it is achieved? Is patriarchy and poverty elimination one of its goals and strategies? If yes, would the country ever make a breakaway from the clutches of patriarchy-poverty giant? How do they perceive themselves – as oppressed under the weight of multiple roles? Or do they feel emancipated and liberated because of their role as providers for their family needs? Or are they doubly exploited by the patriarchal system? In short, what is the nature of the work they do to earn money? This study drawing upon field research conducted in nine towns, selected out of the total of eighteen towns of Karachi, seeks answers to these questions by exploring self-employed women workers’ experiences and perceptions about their status and roles. To find answers to these questions, the researchers applied a combination of methods. Nine hundred women were randomly selected to answer a questionnaire. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. The findings of the research confirmed that the level of poverty has visibly increased, women are more aware of patriarchy and how it manifests itself in their lives, and finally they are convinced that progress and development remain far away from them.
Nasreen Aslam Shah, Muhammad Faisal Zia. (2010) Self-Employed Women In A Mega-City Setting: Women At The Cross-Roads Of Patriarchy, Poverty, And Progress In Karachi., Pakistan Journal of Gender Studies, Vol. 4, Issue 1.
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