Women's Career Challenges in Hazara Division: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

This research investigates the socio-cultural factors influencing the career choices of women in the Hazara Division, with a specific focus on the challenges faced by female teachers in the region. Using a qualitative methodology, the study involved in-depth interviews with 24 female teachers from three government colleges in Haripur. Grounded theory was employed to identify emerging patterns in the data. The study population consisted of all female teachers in six girls' colleges in Haripur, totaling 220 teachers. Convenience sampling was used to select three government colleges for data collection. In-depth interviews were conducted, audio-recorded with participants' consent, and confidentiality was ensured. The analysis involved coding, identifying patterns, and organizing data into related groupings. The study revealed significant challenges in female career choices, including the low priority given to female education within families, limited availability of professional colleges, and societal conservatism. Findings indicated a cultural belief in restricting women's roles to homemaking, which hinders their career progression. Additionally, mobility restrictions, family obligations, and societal expectations shape career choices towards academia, particularly teaching.