EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES CONFRONTED BY RESEARCH SUPERVISEE IN HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

Abstract

Despite the progress in gender equality, women face persistent challenges in their professional careers, especially in educational organizations. Study focuses on academic journey of female researchers, emphasizing systemic disparities, unequal funding opportunities, and challenges in married life. Research aims to examine the discomfort levels among female researchers, particularly concerning harassment and personal questions posed by male supervisors. To highlight systemic disparities affecting academic journey of female researchers, such as unequal funding opportunities and challenges in married life. To examine variability among female researchers, mixed-methods approach was used with descriptive design, including the female researchers from various academic departments in government & private sector universities. Sample comprised 250 respondents from WU Multan, EU Multan, IS Punjab, & Riphah University. Female scholars reported feeling comfortable in conversations with female supervisors, show significance of gender dynamics in mentorship relations. The study underscores necessity of addressing gender-specific obstacles as well as implementing targeted interventions to create equitable & supportive academic environment for female researchers.