Author: Dr. Arfi Anjoon
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/02100032
Abstract: Women’s autonomy is deeply intertwined with questions of power and identity, making it a central concern of feminist and gender theories. While legal and policy frameworks increasingly recognize women’s rights, the lived realities of autonomy continue to be shaped by patriarchal power structures and socially constructed gender identities. This paper explores women’s autonomy through the analytical lenses of feminist and gender theories, focusing on how power relations and identity formation influence women’s agency. Drawing on liberal, radical, socialist, and post-structural feminist perspectives, the study critically examines the ways in which women negotiate autonomy within family, community, and institutional contexts. The paper argues that autonomy cannot be understood merely as individual choice but must be situated within broader structures of power and identity. By synthesizing theoretical insights and empirical literature, the study highlights the need for transformative approaches that challenge gendered power relations and enable sustainable women’s empowerment.
Keywords: Women’s Autonomy, Power, Identity, Feminist Theory, Gender Studies.
Page No: 229-233