How have processes of globalization affected women’s economic empowerment?
Khadija Haq: Globalization has had mixed effects on women’s economic situation in South Asia. On the upside, new industry has created job opportunities and increased pay for women, especially in the manufacture of garments and textiles. Women provide about 90% of the industry’s labor pool. Although the garment industry has increased the number of jobs for rural women, their work continues to be exploited. They continue to work longer hours and with less pay than their male counterparts. Furthermore, the recent trend of men leaving rural areas to find jobs in other countries or urban areas leaves women behind with the double burden of domestic work. Women’s work in the informal sector remains economically invisible. These trends devalue women’s labor and are a major obstacle to women’s economic empowerment. Computer and information technology has provided some hope for the future of women’s economic empowerment. The more technical training available to women, the more likely they are to
