Experiences of Women Leaders in the Academia of Pakistan: Social Expectations and Challenges for Women Leadership

Abstract

The research adopts a qualitative approach to delve into the experiences of women leaders within Pakistan's higher education sector. Its primary aim is to explore the societal expectations and challenges that these women face in their leadership roles. To gather relevant insights, the study employed purposive sampling, selecting 30 participants from six universities located in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. This strategic selection ensured that the participants were well-positioned to offer valuable perspectives on the topic. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews, allowing for a rich, nuanced understanding of the participants' experiences. Thematic analysis was then used to analyze the collected data, leading to the identification of one overarching theme. This main theme was further divided into five sub-themes, reflecting recurring patterns in the participants' responses. These sub-themes provide a structured framework to better understand the societal expectations, challenges, and nuances of women's leadership in the workplace within the context of higher education in Pakistan. This approach offers significant insights into the complex dynamics of gender and leadership in the country