Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Barriers and Sustainable Pathways for Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Pakistan
This study explores the barriers that impede women’s transition from higher education to empowerment in Pakistan. It uses Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE). By integrating qualitative and quantitative data, this research identifies six primary barriers: sociocultural values, family-related issues, fr...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Social Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/12/657 |
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| author | Muhammad Qasim Rana Noreen Saher Angela Lee Zeba Shabbir |
| author_facet | Muhammad Qasim Rana Noreen Saher Angela Lee Zeba Shabbir |
| author_sort | Muhammad Qasim Rana |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study explores the barriers that impede women’s transition from higher education to empowerment in Pakistan. It uses Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE). By integrating qualitative and quantitative data, this research identifies six primary barriers: sociocultural values, family-related issues, freedom and mobility, violence and harassment, economic factors, and gendered norms. Data were collected through a survey of 500 women across various regions of Pakistan, with a valid response rate of 79.8% (N = 399), providing a comprehensive analysis of the most significant obstacles to women’s empowerment. The findings reveal the intricate and pervasive nature of these challenges, with sociocultural values, family-related issues, and restrictions on freedom and mobility emerging as the most critical. These traditional norms and patriarchal structures (index 3.942) significantly hinder women’s educational and professional progress. Family-related issues (index 3.840) and restrictions on freedom and mobility (index 3.820) also play a substantial role. Violence and harassment (index 3.705) further deter women from pursuing their goals, while economic factors (index 3.695) and gendered norms (index 3.631) contribute to the persistent gender disparities. This study concludes with a call to action, emphasising the urgent need to address these barriers. To boost women’s empowerment and advance gender equality in Pakistan, comprehensive solutions comprising targeted interventions, societal change, and policy reforms are required. By prioritising these challenges, stakeholders can develop practical solutions. This research provides invaluable insights for policymakers, educators, and advocates, urging them to work towards creating an inclusive and equitable environment for women’s advancement. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-73d2da3efa9d47379c64df730b60f63d |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2076-0760 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Social Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-73d2da3efa9d47379c64df730b60f63d2025-08-20T02:43:21ZengMDPI AGSocial Sciences2076-07602024-12-01131265710.3390/socsci13120657Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Barriers and Sustainable Pathways for Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in PakistanMuhammad Qasim Rana0Noreen Saher1Angela Lee2Zeba Shabbir3School of Built Environment, University College of Estate Management, Reading RG1 4BS, UKDepartment of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, PakistanSchool of Built Environment, University College of Estate Management, Reading RG1 4BS, UKNational University of Science and Technology, Islamabad 44000, PakistanThis study explores the barriers that impede women’s transition from higher education to empowerment in Pakistan. It uses Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE). By integrating qualitative and quantitative data, this research identifies six primary barriers: sociocultural values, family-related issues, freedom and mobility, violence and harassment, economic factors, and gendered norms. Data were collected through a survey of 500 women across various regions of Pakistan, with a valid response rate of 79.8% (N = 399), providing a comprehensive analysis of the most significant obstacles to women’s empowerment. The findings reveal the intricate and pervasive nature of these challenges, with sociocultural values, family-related issues, and restrictions on freedom and mobility emerging as the most critical. These traditional norms and patriarchal structures (index 3.942) significantly hinder women’s educational and professional progress. Family-related issues (index 3.840) and restrictions on freedom and mobility (index 3.820) also play a substantial role. Violence and harassment (index 3.705) further deter women from pursuing their goals, while economic factors (index 3.695) and gendered norms (index 3.631) contribute to the persistent gender disparities. This study concludes with a call to action, emphasising the urgent need to address these barriers. To boost women’s empowerment and advance gender equality in Pakistan, comprehensive solutions comprising targeted interventions, societal change, and policy reforms are required. By prioritising these challenges, stakeholders can develop practical solutions. This research provides invaluable insights for policymakers, educators, and advocates, urging them to work towards creating an inclusive and equitable environment for women’s advancement.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/12/657gender inclusiongender equalityhigher educationcareer progression |
| spellingShingle | Muhammad Qasim Rana Noreen Saher Angela Lee Zeba Shabbir Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Barriers and Sustainable Pathways for Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Pakistan Social Sciences gender inclusion gender equality higher education career progression |
| title | Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Barriers and Sustainable Pathways for Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Pakistan |
| title_full | Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Barriers and Sustainable Pathways for Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Pakistan |
| title_fullStr | Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Barriers and Sustainable Pathways for Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Pakistan |
| title_full_unstemmed | Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Barriers and Sustainable Pathways for Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Pakistan |
| title_short | Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation of the Barriers and Sustainable Pathways for Women During the Transition from Higher Education to Empowerment in Pakistan |
| title_sort | fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the barriers and sustainable pathways for women during the transition from higher education to empowerment in pakistan |
| topic | gender inclusion gender equality higher education career progression |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/12/657 |
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