Barriers to Empowerment: Examining the Transition of Pakistani Women from Higher Education (HE) to Professional Life

Muhammad Qasim Rana (), Angela Lee, Noreen Saher and Zeba Shabbir
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Muhammad Qasim Rana: School of Built Environment, University College of Estate Management, Reading RG1 4BS, UK
Angela Lee: School of Built Environment, University College of Estate Management, Reading RG1 4BS, UK
Noreen Saher: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Zeba Shabbir: National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-21

Abstract: Gender equality is essential for economic and societal advancement, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5. This research examines the obstacles that hinder women’s progression from higher education to empowerment in Pakistan. Using a comprehensive descriptive survey questionnaire, we collected quantitative data to gain insights from a diverse sample of various provinces. The survey consisted of two sections: background information and 25 constructs of barriers from the existing literature. Data analysis involving 399 respondents included descriptive and inferential statistics, cross-tabulation, and significance testing using non-parametric tests. The findings highlighted significant sociocultural, familial, and professional barriers, with regional disparities underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Women respondents consistently perceived barriers more keenly than men, underscoring the gender-specific nature of these challenges. This study emphasizes the need for focused policies and educational initiatives to address barriers and promote gender equality in Pakistan’s higher education and professional spheres.

Keywords: Pakistan; gender equality; gender parity; higher education (HE); workplace transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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