Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
MSc Student in Urban Planning, Department of Urban Engineering, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
2
Department of Geomorphology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran (Part-time Researcher at Kurdistan Studies Institute, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran)
3
Department of Geomorphology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
4
PhD Student in Educational Administration, Department of Education, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
5
PhD Graduate in Agricultural Extension and Education, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
6
PhD Student in Higher Education Planning and Development, Department of Education, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
10.22034/jsrd.2026.579316.1244
Abstract
Purpose: The empowerment of rural women in the handicrafts sector, particularly carpet weaving, constitutes a key component of sustainable rural development and the enhancement of household livelihoods. This activity not only generates supplementary income but also contributes to improving women's economic and social participation as well as preserving local cultural heritage. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the empowerment status of rural women active in carpet weaving and to identify the associated demographic factors in Kurdistan Province, Iran.
Methods: This research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive survey in terms of nature, conducted through field methods. The statistical population comprised all rural women engaged in carpet weaving across the villages of Kurdistan Province. Owing to the unavailability of official statistics on the size of the target population, the sample size was determined using Kline’s (2016) guideline of 5–10 respondents per questionnaire item. On this basis, and considering the 17-item scale, a sample of 200 rural women was selected..
Results: The findings indicated that among the empowerment components, the interpersonal dimension ranked first with a mean of 4.19, followed by the technical-professional (4.12), economic-entrepreneurial (3.79), and market and business networks (3.25) dimensions, highlighting the prominent role of social interactions and professional skills in enhancing the empowerment of rural women. Regarding the correlations between independent and dependent variables, the results showed a statistically significant positive correlation between rural women's empowerment and the variables of age, years of carpet-weaving experience, duration of residence in the village, and educational level; however, a significant negative correlation was found with marital status.
Conclusion: Rural women's empowerment, in addition to individual skills, is influenced by social factors, experiential background, and spatial conditions. Accordingly, handicrafts development programs should be designed with a region-oriented approach, strengthening social networks and professional skills.
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