A Nepal Demographic Health Survey Findings on Status of Women Empowerment Using Indicator as Employment Status in Nepal

Abstract Background: Empowering women through increased employment is crucial for sustainable development goals, yet globally, women face economic disparities and limited access to opportunities. In South Asia, including Nepal, low female labor force participation persists due to various challenges such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and societal norms. This study aims to investigate factors influencing women's employment status in Nepal focusing on education, children, wealth, partner's education, and other socio-economic factors. Method: Data from the Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2016 was obtained through a DHS website. A working dataset was constructed, comprising 11 independent variables, and cleaned for analysis. Missing values were addressed, and the statistical analysis plan included descriptive analysis and chi-square tests to examine relationships between variables. Results: The socio-demographic profile of married women aged 15-49 in Nepal reveals a predominance of male-headed households, urban residency, and secondary education attainment. Unadjusted logistic regression findings indicate significant associations between women's employment status and factors such as age, rural residency, lower education levels, more children, and poorer household wealth. However, multivariate analysis suggests that female-headed households have slightly lower employment likelihood. Age and education emerge as key determinants, with older and educated women more likely to be employed. Provincial disparities are evident, with certain provinces showing increased employment odds, while mobile phone ownership is associated with higher employment likelihood. These findings emphasize the complex interplay of factors influencing women's employment status, underscoring the need to address socio-economic disparities for enhanced empowerment and economic participation. Conclusion: Findings reveal a higher prevalence of employment among women compared to the unemployment rate, yet disparities persist between male and female employment rates. Women with no education are more likely to be employed in daily waged labor-intensive jobs, indicating a need for targeted interventions to enhance employment opportunities, particularly in disadvantaged regions like Province 6. The study underscores the association between women's age and education levels with employment status, highlighting the importance of educational attainment in facilitating employment. Moreover, findings suggest a positive correlation between the husband's education level and women's employment, emphasizing the significance of household dynamics. Recommendations include the development of employment programs tailored to women's educational backgrounds and vocational training initiatives to enhance their participation in professional sectors, ultimately fostering economic independence and empowerment at the local level.