Relationship between asset ownership and women's empowerment? Evidence from DHS data from 18 developing countries

Abstract This study identifies the link between women's asset ownership and women's empowerment. Women's empowerment is measured by their decision-making role related to their health, large household purchases, and their social interaction. Using Demographic and Health Surveys data for 18 countries from South Asia, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa, we found that the women who owned assets were 14% more likely to be empowered compared with the women who did not own any asset (odds ratio: 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.185). At a disaggregated country level, asset ownership was positively and significantly associated with women's empowerment in nine countries, negatively associated in one country, and had no significant association in the other eight countries. This study provides important insights into the link between women's asset ownership and empowerment and may inform public policy related to gender equality through women's empowerment.