Empowering Hearts and Shaping Destinies: Unveiling the Profound Influence of Education on Women's Mate Selection in Pakistan -A Comprehensive Mixed-Methods Study

Umar Daraz¹ Younas Khan^2* Ann M. Alnajdawi^{3, 4} Rula O. Alsawalqa⁴

• ¹University of Malakand, Pakistan
• ²University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
• ³The University of Jordan, Jordan
• ⁴School of Arts, The University of Jordan, Jordan

This study investigates the impact of education on women's empowerment in the realm of mate selection within Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Employing a mixed-method research approach, the study conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with educated women and distributed a Likert Scale questionnaire to 500 women. The qualitative findings reveals that education significantly influences women's perspectives, guiding their priorities, and instilling a desire for compatibility and shared values in their relationships. Educated women also display resilience, confidence, and a readiness to challenge prevailing societal norms and gender stereotypes when selecting a life partner. Quantitative analysis establishes a statistically significant positive correlation between education and women's empowerment in mate selection. These findings underscore the pivotal role of education in enhancing women's agency and autonomy in a critical aspect of their lives. The study's implications extend to policy recommendations advocating for increased access to quality education and the implementation of gender-sensitive curricula in Malakand Division and analogous regions. Recognizing education's potential to empower women in mate selection is vital for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.This study investigates the influence of education on women's empowerment in the context of mate selection in Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Utilizing a mixed-method research approach, the study conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with educated women and administered a Likert Scale questionnaire to 500 women. The research findings illuminate how education shapes women's perspectives, influences their priorities, and fosters a desire for compatibility and shared values in relationships. Additionally, educated women exhibit resilience, confidence, and a propensity to challenge prevailing societal norms and gender stereotypes when selecting a life partner. The quantitative analysis reveals a statistically significant positive relationship between education and women's empowerment in mate selection, with education accounting for approximately 66.5% of the variance in women's mate preferences. These results underscore education's crucial role in enhancing women's agency and autonomy in a critical aspect of their lives.