Role of small and medium enterprises (SME) in women empowerment and poverty alleviation in Punjab, Pakistan

This study investigates the role of small and medium enterprises (SME) in women empowerment and poverty alleviation in Southern Punjab. The findings showed that the education level of the women, participation in SMEs, skills development index, employed persons in the household, the value of physical assets, women’s economic, familial, and social empowerment index adversely and significantly influenced of poverty while the household size and family setup positively and significantly influenced poverty. In order to alleviate poverty in Pakistan and specifically in Southern Punjab women's participation in the labour force must be encouraged, educational facilities for women should be provided especially in the rural areas, technical education should also be promoted which will not only empower the women but will also open the doors of employment. Further, transportation facilities should be improved to enhance women's participation. Credit facilities at low cost may be provided to women as a key constraint in the success of SMEs is the lack of capital.