EXPLORING THE ROLE OF WOMEN'S UNIVERSITIES IN WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY OF PUNJAB UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The main focus of this research was to study the role of Women's Universities in socio-economic empowerment of female in Punjab Pakistan. Researcher used qualitative research for the study. The data was collected through interview method. The Heads of the Departments from women's universities were respondents. The heads of eight departments, one from each university, made up the sample of the study, which was conducted in eight women's universities in Punjab, Pakistan. The purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The Findings has been found to play an important role to provide socioeconomic empowerment of females of Women University. Women university creates a professional development opportunity to enhance their competencies, encourage collaborative work environment, establish leadership role, and participate in inclusive decision-making with financial remuneration. At the same time, the heads of female departments face different challenges. The restriction on the professional development opportunities, gender bias, financial differences, lack of institutional support, work pressure as well as maintaining act-role-family restriction. In short, the women's universities are giving conducive environment where the females can work and bring professional development.