Exploring the multifaceted correlates of household decision-making autonomy among married women in Cameroon

Research documents married women's household decision-making autonomy as a critical determinant of a range of sexual and reproductive behaviours in many less developed countries. Despite this importance, however, very few studies explore the prevalence and correlates of women's household decision-making autonomy in countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Cameroon.

Using the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey, this study employs a binary logistic regression analysis to explore the demographic, locational, and socioeconomic determinants of women's household decision-making autonomy.

About half of respondents (47%) indicate that they are involved in the decision-making process at the household level. We find that women in polygamous marriages are less likely to be involved in the decision-making process in comparison to their monogamous counterparts (aOR = 0.69, p < 0.001). Similarly, compared to traditional women, Muslim women (aOR = 0.27, p < 0.001) and women with no religious affiliation (aOR = 0.35, p < 0.01) are less likely to be involved in the decision-making process. Also, our analysis shows that married women aged 15-19 (aOR = 0.27, p < 0.001), 20-24 (aOR = 0.43, p < 0.001), 25-29 (aOR = 0.51, p < 0.001), 30-34 (aOR = 0.75, p < 0.01), and 35-39 (aOR = 0.71, p < 0.01) are less likely to be involved in decision-making process in comparison to their counterparts aged 45-49. Finally, poorer, less educated, and unemployed women are less likely to be involved in the decision-making process in comparison to their wealthier, more educated, and employed counterparts.

Based on these findings, policymakers must be cognisant of the household power dynamics in polygamous relationships when implementing programs that promote gender equality and women's autonomy. Furthermore, the government should prioritize initiatives and socioeconomic support programs focusing specifically on marginalized groups. Investing in education and raising awareness about women's rights, gender equality, and the importance of inclusive decision-making can be instrumental in challenging societal attitudes and promoting women's autonomy.