Profile of Women of Baluchistan,

Abbasi, S. for Government of Baluchistan and UNICEF, June 1990.

Chapters: 1. Health, 2. Education, 3. Employment, 4. Role and Status, 5. Special Development Initiatives.

This report provides a profile on the women of Baluchistan and dwells in detail on all related aspects of female life in the province. The report analyses the fact that even though Pakistani society is undergoing significant social changes under the impact of urbanization, industrialization, education and the national policy towards socio-economic development, the pace of change in Baluchistan society has been slower than in other provinces. This is particularly pertaining to the role and status of women in the community, and in the family. The report highlights the activities undertaken by women in terms of child bearing, childcare providers, as well as economic contributors to the households. It also looks at other activities such as fetching water, gathering wood, producing food, cultivating cash crops, and marketing them. It gives special emphasis to the depressed groups such as tenant cultivators, landless agricultural laborers, and lower occupational groups. The report highlights the fact that women's access to education and health facilities is extremely limited; their economic activities are given inadequate recognition and are not reflected in the mainstream of national economy. The paper is an attempt to compile available data to facilitate comprehensive and systematic planning in improving the situation of women in the province, and also enhance their status and role in the family, community and national development.

Key words: Women, Baluchistan, Health, Education, Employment, and Development.