A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF CHALLENGES FACED BY FEMALE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH PUNJAB

Abstract

Objective: The study's objective is to ascertain how institutional policies, societal norms, financial hardships, familial expectations, mobility restrictions, and gender-based discrimination affect their educational routes.

Background: Literacy Rate by Gender in South Punjab shows the stark gender disparity in literacy across the seven districts of South Punjab: Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Lodhran, and Rajanpur. In all district shown, male literacy rates are much greater than female literacy rates.

Methodology: The study has adopted the qualitative research design, the study focuses on the subjective experiences and opinions of fifteen female students enrolled in public and private universities located throughout South Punjab. A systematic interview technique was used to collect data. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes.

Results: Thematic analysis revealed the following themes: 1) High costs of education 2) Limited specialized programs 3) Societal & familial pressures 4) Gender-biased prioritization 5) Harassment & inadequate security 6) Absence of counselling & mentorship 7) Conditional family support 8) Lack of mental health support.

Recommendations: Voices of Dropouts, Impact of Government and NGO Interventions, parents Perspectives on Female Education, Comparative Regional Studies, need of financial aid for female students, anti-harassment policies, the need for career counselling and mentorship programs, urgent reforms in university infrastructure, more employment opportunities for female students.