Final Year Project

Project Title

The Feminization of Poverty under Neoliberal Regimes in Karachi; A case study of House Maids

Description

The research explores how economic and social structures disproportionately push women into poverty. The study aims to understand how neoliberal policies, patriarchal norms, and systemic barriers perpetuate economic vulnerabilities for women, especially domestic workers in Karachi. By integrating feminist standpoint theory and Naila Kabeers social relations approach, it examines how gender disparities in education, employment, and social protections deepen poverty among women. Through expert interviews, the study highlights key challenges such as low wages, job insecurity, limited education access, and cultural restrictions that prevent women from achieving economic mobility. Findings reveal that women face greater economic hardships than men, particularly in informal labor markets. The research proposes policy recommendations, including wage reforms, access to formal employment, better education, and expanded social protections. These measures aim to break cycles of poverty and promote gender equity in Pakistan.