Small-Scale Embroidery Enterprises as Drivers of Women’s Economic Empowerment in Balochistan: Implications for Inclusive Local Development

Abstract

This study examined the impact of small-scale embroidery enterprises on women's economic empowerment and promotion of local economic development in Balochistan. The primary aim of the study was to analyze the influence of critical indicators of women's economic empowerment, including income level, income stability, control over earnings, saving behavior, market access, and access to credit, on local economic development. The research was conducted in four districts of Balochistan: Jaffarabad, Sohbatpur, Naseerabad, and Jhal Magsi, with primary data collected from 200 women engaged in embroidery enterprises using a structured questionnaire.

The data were analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, correlation, and regression. The findings demonstrate a robust and statistically significant positive correlation between women's economic empowerment and local economic development. All empowerment indicators exhibit substantial positive relationships with local economic growth, and regression analysis validates that each indicator meaningfully influences local economic outcomes. The results indicate that participation in embroidery enterprises enhances women's income, financial autonomy, saving habits, market engagement, and access to credit, hence boosting local economic activity.

The study concludes that small-scale embroidery enterprises serve as a viable avenue for advancing women's economic empowerment and fostering inclusive local development in Balochistan. It advocates for targeted policy interventions, improved market connectivity, access to microfinance, and skill development initiatives to support women-led embroidery enterprises and improve their role in sustainable local economic growth.