Women s empowerment and health: the role of institutions of power in Pakistan

Women s right to health has been reiterated many times. However, there are social and cultural barriers in developing countries that hinder their empowerment. Women s low status, deprivation of education and lack of control over their own lives and bodies have a negative impact on their health status and that of their families. This paper discusses women s empowerment and health within the framework of the 4 institutions of power in a society—family, community, health care systems and the state—with special reference to the situation in Pakistan. It concludes that to improve women s health status, concerted efforts are needed by all these institutions of power to work towards gender equality and the greater empowerment of women.