An analytical study of how education in Pakistan influences the career prospects of women

Education is one of the basic human rights. For the economic growth and development of any country, education is considered essential. However, in Pakistan, the basic right of education for all is not appropriately recognised or encouraged especially for girls. Pakistan is supported by United Nations and many international organisations in providing equal opportunities to women in education and careers. However, the Pakistan SDGs status reports show that there has been no significant progress in the national literacy rate from 2015 to 2020 and findings show that almost seventy percent of young girls drop out of school without completing primary education. In Pakistan’s male-dominating, patriarchal society, educating girls, who are marginalized, and providing them with the same opportunities as boys, is challenging. A desk-based research approach was adopted to explore the barriers against girls in achieving higher education in Pakistani society. Using feminist theory this paper investigated women’s experiences. Specific barriers to enrolling girls in schools include the mindset of a conservative population, familial restrictions, and societal and cultural beliefs regarding gender segregation and early marriages. Findings demonstrate that financial constraints and patriarchal norms were the major barriers to female education, especially at the tertiary level. Furthermore, parents also showed concerns about the security risks as most universities are co-education and involve mobility away from home. The study also highlights some of the barriers to women pursuing their careers in academia. Females experience visible and noticeable gender discrimination at almost every stage of their career. In most Pakistani higher education institutes, males represent the majority of the faculty. Managerial positions are mostly occupied by males with decision making power and more opportunities. Women in Pakistan struggle in order to reach top management positions. Factors like male-dominant workplace, under representation of female role models, socio-cultural norms and harassment act as hurdles in women’s career progression. In addition, the work-family balance was found to be a major obstacle for women.