Determinants of women’s empowerment in Pakistan: evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys, 2012–13 and 2017–18

Abstract Background Women’s empowerment has always remained a contested issue in the complex socio-demographic and cultural milieu of Pakistani society. Women are ranked lower than men on all vital human development indicators. Therefore, studying various determinants women’s is urgently needed context. Methods The study empirically operationalized concept investigated its through representative secondary data taken from Pakistan Demographic Health Surveys among women at reproductive age (15–49 years) 2012–13 ( n = 13,558) 2017–18 15,068). used simple binary logistic multivariable regression analyses. Results results highlighted that almost selected demographic, economic, social, access to information variables were significantly associated with p < 0.05) both PDHS datasets. In analysis, adjusted odds ratios reproductive-age higher groups having children, level education wealth index, involved skilled work, who head household, had reported be more empowered. analysis conducted separately for two indicators (decision-making ownership) corroborated findings one indicator empowerment, except where ownership did not appear number children sex household sets (2012–13 2017–18). Conclusions A familial, information-exposure factors determine empowerment. proposes some evidence-based policy options improve status Pakistan.