Challenges Faced by Female Students in Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges facing the female students in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. Even with the great levels of increase in female enrollment, there are still gender disparities and socio-cultural restrictions in academic participation, mobility, and leadership opportunities. A mixed-method study was used to sample 300 female students of both public and private universities. The results indicate that the girl/woman students experience numerous interdepending problems such as gender discrimination, social constraints, safety issues, financial constraints, and institutional support. Such problems are complicated by cultural norms and patriarchal attitudes. The research concludes that women should be empowered through the establishment of inclusive, safe, and supportive educational environment to enable them to have equitable partners in the higher education establishment.