Although Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) to poor women may provide an
opportunity to utilize their capabilities in spending without any coercion but
the intra-household gender power relations affect their freedom to decide
independently. This study aims to understand women?s empowerment in the
context of the effectiveness of UCT under Benazir Income Support Program
in Pakistan. It covers three main aspects: i) how do UCT affect women?s
household activities; ii) what are their effects on access to and control over resources
and decision making and iii) how do gender relations interact with heterogeneity
of women for their empowerment. The study unveils relevant factors
like women?s personal identity, age, marital status, class, ethnicity, assets,
socialization and socio-economic background which influence women?s capability
to negotiate with their husband for decision making in household matters.
The research also explores that neither „UCT income? nor „employment
income? of women alone have their effects on enhancing their bargaining
power for decision making unless the causal factors are addressed while formulating
national policies and programs.