A qualitative evaluation of the impact of cash transfer programs on women’s empowerment

Abstract Women’s household decision-making is studied as an approach towards women’s empowerment. Historically, gender norms in Pakistan expect men to be the breadwinners and sole decision-makers in a household, while women perform domestic work and childcare. This study examines the impact of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Pakistan’s largest unconditional cash transfer program, on indicators of women’s empowerment. Face-to-face interviews of 5 married beneficiaries, 4 married non-beneficiary women, and a focus group discussion were analyzed qualitatively. Results suggest that irrespective of the beneficiary status, women’s autonomy over household decision-making, gender role beliefs, fertility decisions, and access to cash have improved. However, when it comes to tolerance of physical violence, women still act according to persistent patriarchal norms. Results also suggest women’s preferences over working from home as some are not allowed by their husbands to work out of the home. Therefore, understanding these constraints is essential in creating pathways for women’s empowerment in Pakistan.