THE IMPACT OF FEMALE HIGHER EDUCATION ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FAMILIES IN PESHAWAR: NORTH WEST OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The awareness and recognition concerning female education in general and
female higher education in particular began in 70s. It has been realized that
female education can bring a change in society and can play vital role in
women empowerment and hence in socio-economic development. A new lexis
was introduced i.e. WID (Women in Development). If educated people earn
more than uneducated people, shouldn't the same thing happen for females?
Empirical studies about women education have revealed that education of
women leads to many economic and social benefits that includes increase in
wage levels. Female education is an essential instrument of achieving selfrespect, awareness, empowerment, improved level of health and living. This
research is aimed to determine the impact of Female Higher Education on
standard of living of the household; the impact of female higher education on
family income and the effects of female higher education on health indicators.
The data has been collected from 150 employed married women in Peshawar
during 2019. The data is collected about Demographics, health indicators,
social indicators and economic indicators of the family of the respondent.
Chi-Square test is applied to analyze the collected data. The data analysis
showed strong correlation between Female Higher Education, Health
Indicators, Social Indicators and Economic Indicators. The research carried
out concluded that there is a positive relationship between Female Higher
Education and Socio Economic Status of the Family that in turn impact the
socio economic development of the Peshawar city.