Determinants of Gender Asset Ownership in Rural Areas of South Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence gender asset ownership in the agriculture sector of South Punjab, Pakistan. The study aims to provide empirical evidence on the determinants of gender asset ownership, including individual and household characteristics, as well as social and economic factors. The findings of the study could be used to inform policies and programs aimed at promoting gender equity and women's empowerment in the agriculture sector. The results were estimated using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method. Data from 900 households in the Multan, Bahawalpur, and DG Khan divisions of South Punjab Province in Pakistan for the year 2022 was utilized for the analysis. The study identifies several factors that contribute to gender disparities in asset ownership, including age, marital status, and family size, head of household, poverty, women’s economic, social, familial, and political empowerment. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions that address the socio-cultural barriers to women's asset ownership in the agriculture sector in South Punjab, Pakistan. Policymakers may prioritize the provision of secure land tenure and financial inclusion for women to promote gender equality and economic empowerment in the region. Additionally, gender-sensitive programs that address the unequal distribution of assets within households should be implemented to ensure that women have equal access to and control over productive resources.