Empowering Women through Education: A Study on Reducing Violence against Women in Lahore

Abstract

This study using MICS data with 2411 observations explores factors influencing violence against women (VAW) such as women's education (WEDU), safety perceptions (WS), polygamous marriage (PM), and age (WA) to inform targeted interventions. Utilizing data from 2,411 observations in the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a logistic regression model is employed to assess the effects of these variables on VAW. The key variables examined include women education (WEDU), women safety (WS), polygamous marriage (PM), and women's age (WA). The analysis reveals that women’s education (WEDU) and women safety (WS) significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing violence, with coefficients of 0.516 and 0.441, respectively, both statistically significant at the 1% level. Polygamous marriage (PM) is associated with an increased risk of violence (coef. 0.939, p < 0.05). Women’s age (WA) has a negative effect on VAW, although it is marginally significant (coef. -0.114, p = 0.051). This research provides a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing violence against women in Lahore, highlighting the importance of education and safety measures in mitigating violence. The cross-sectional nature of the MICS data limits the ability to infer causality. Future research should employ longitudinal data to better capture the dynamics over time. The findings suggest that enhancing women’s education and safety measures can significantly reduce violence against women. Policymakers should prioritize these areas to create safer and more empowering environments for women.