The Impact of NGOs on the Empowerment of Women in Zahanadan's Marginalized Communities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Sistan And Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

2 Ms.c. Student in Sociology, Department of Social Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Sistan And Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

Abstract

This research examines the influence of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on empowering women residing in the marginalized urban area of Shirabad, Zahedan. The study utilizes a blended theoretical framework drawing from Kabeer and Foucault. A survey methodology was employed, collecting data through a researcher-designed questionnaire from women over 15 years old in Shirabad who received services from local NGOs. A sample size of 366 individuals was determined using the Cochran formula and selected by cluster sampling. Data analysis using SPSS 21 revealed significant relationships between trust in NGOs, economic support, and educational services with the empowerment of women in this area. Among the services provided by NGOs, economic services showed the strongest correlation with both economic and social empowerment, emphasizing the importance of access to economic opportunities, training, and financial support for women's entrepreneurship and social participation. No significant correlation was found between health services and women's empowerment. Overall, NGO activities across various dimensions explained 28% of the total variance in women's empowerment in Shirabad. This finding suggests that the presence and diverse service provision of NGOs in marginalized urban areas are highly important for the empowerment of women and other residents. The study concludes that NGO engagement and service delivery significantly contribute to the empowerment of women and marginalized communities in these areas.