Abstract:
During the last decade, we have started to see more women at mid-level management
positions in Pakistan, however, the number of women holding leadership positions in
public or private sector remains insignificant when compared to men. When explored, this
is normally attributed to the individual, societal and organizational barriers that women
face in Pakistan. This research attempted to validate and study these barriers in public and
private sector organizations of Pakistan against the career opportunities that exist for
women. The aim of this exploratory research was to study these barriers that impact
women’s career advancement towards leadership positions in public and private sectors
and to finally conclude how, if, these barriers can be removed or bypassed by women to
become leaders.
To carry out this research, detailed literature has been reviewed on related variables. A
mixed research approach was used including, a quantitative survey conducted among 50
random managers from four different organizations and for qualitative data collection,
interviews were conducted with four leaders. Data was sampled from both public and
private sectors organizations in a ratio of 40 (Male):60 (Females). The data was analyzed
based on the discussion points extracted from objectives and hypothesis of this research.
The results exhibited that women have very few opportunities to grow into leadership
positions in Pakistan. On top of that, our common family values actually add to the social,
individual and organization barriers women face while in pursuit of leadership roles.
Among these, societal barriers are most common in Pakistan. While comparing the two
sectors studied, public sector has shown evidence to facilitate women more on the basis of
their gender, however, at private sector the leaders are treated as professional rather on the
basis of gender. Reluctance in hiring females was seen more in private sector of Pakistan,
on the perception that women can’t reliably handle work pressure along with family
responsibilities. The research concludes that all barriers exists in Pakistan at different
frequencies, but if a woman is determined, she can cut through these barriers. In the end
recommendations have been given for women and organizations that can help in creating
equal opportunities for women career advancement into leadership roles.
