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Measuring women's freedom: introducing the women freedom index (WFI) for domestic empowerment and rights

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  • Muhammad Shah, Saif

Abstract

This research paper introduces the Women Freedom Index (WFI), a novel measure designed to assess women's domestic freedom across various geographic levels, including districts, cities, provinces, countries, counties, states, and subcontinents. While existing indices gauge global women's empowerment and discrimination, they often neglect the specific aspect of domestic freedom. The WFI incorporates key dimensions of women's freedom like sports, work, travel, politics, education, justice, and domestic decision-making, using independent indicators for a comprehensive evaluation. Built on primary data collection with meticulous data cleaning, the index provides an accurate representation of women's actual freedom levels. Initial findings reveal significant domestic discrimination, with 65% reporting gender-based discrimination from fathers, 60% facing restrictions on sports participation under paternal influence, and 32% of educated women being denied careers in the electronic media by their husbands. The WFI is vital for recognizing and promoting women's domestic freedom, enhancing overall well-being. Policymakers, researchers, and advocates can leverage the index to advance gender equality and inclusivity. By addressing the often-overlooked domestic sphere, the WFI offers insights to achieve sustainable development goals and improve women's autonomy and well-being, emphasizing the pivotal role of domestic environments in shaping women's freedom and empowerment.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Shah, Saif, 2023. "Measuring women's freedom: introducing the women freedom index (WFI) for domestic empowerment and rights," MPRA Paper 117916, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:117916
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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