Female Participation in Housing Activities: Some Assessment of the Socio-Economic and Cultural Impact (Women AND Development) (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION The economic and social importance of shelter provision is universally well-established. For an individual/family the acquisition of shelter is, on the basis of its financial magnitude, among the most critical economic decisions. This decision is usually permanent and in most cases made once-in-a-lifetime. The importance of housing decision is even more pronounced for women in Pakistan, as a vast majority of them are classified as 'housewives' and thus considered responsible for the up-keep of the house. The quality of housing, therefore, is taken as being reflective of their competence and, hence, social status.