ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WORKING WOMEN: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

Women's economic empowerment has emerged as a critical driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development. This study investigates the economic empowerment of working women through an integration of theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach by synthesizing data from national labour force surveys, microfinance studies, and gender-based employment statistics. The study conceptualizes economic empowerment as a multidimensional construct comprising access to economic resources, financial autonomy, decisionmaking power, and employment opportunities. Findings indicate that women's participation in paid employment, access to credit facilities, and educational attainment significantly enhance economic agency and household decision-making capacity. However, structural barriers such as wage disparities, occupational segregation, and limited access to financial institutions continue to restrict empowerment outcomes. The study highlights the role of policy interventions, skill development initiatives, and inclusive financial systems in strengthening women's economic participation. The research contributes to existing literature by providing an integrated framework linking employment, financial inclusion, and empowerment outcomes. The findings offer practical implications for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers aiming to promote gender-inclusive economic development.