What does research say about financial decision-making between husbands and wives in Pakistan?
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Direct answer
The 2017–18 Pakistan DHS found that 44% of currently married women participated in decisions about major household purchases. Participation was 51% for their own health care and 49% for visits to family or relatives; 36% participated in all three measured decisions, while 39% participated in none. These indicators show reported involvement, not equal control over income, bank accounts or property. Decision-making varies by age, education, employment, wealth and household structure, and a joint answer can still conceal unequal bargaining power.
44%women participating in major household-purchase decisions, PDHS 2017–18
Sources used
Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18
National Institute of Population Studies and The DHS Program
National survey evidence for marriage timing, women, households and health indicators.View sourceWomen, Business and the Law 2024: Pakistan
World Bank
Legal and supportive-framework indicators relevant to women’s safety, work, family and economic rights.View source