Schooling Opportunities for Girls as a Stimulus for Fertility Change in Rural Pakistan

The study aims to explore the relationship that exists between mass schooling and fertility rates as stated by Caldwell hypothesis. Linear regression analysis conducted in various districts of Punjab and Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) reveals that gender equality in terms of number of girls schools to boys schools have a significant impact on the decisions taken by women in regards to pregnancy and use of contraceptives. The study strongly supports Caldwell’s hypothesis and argues that mass schooling within Pakistan for both the genders can bring about a positive impact in terms of fertility preferences. The study suggests that rural Punjab and N.W.F.P do not offer schooling opportunities for girls which hints at existence of gender inequality.

The report also indicates that the quality of school does not have a significant impact on fertility preferences. It is thus concluded that establishment of schools in rural areas with no schools at present can lead to an increase in usage of contraceptives by 14-15% and 8% in areas where there is only one school at present. Therefore, the government policies must be designed to ensure higher levels of gender equality within rural areas of Pakistan. Inability to take any action by the government would continue to hinder the decline in fertility rates. 

Note: Northwest Frontier Province (N.W.F.P) is now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPk)