From self-surveillance to self-leadership for early career women in Pakistan

In Pakistan, there is a growing interest among women in pursuing careers and professional opportunities. However, various social, cultural, and institutional barriers can hinder their progress.

In a patriarchal society, women may internalize societal norms and expectations regarding their roles and responsibilities which may influence their thoughts and behaviours and eventually contribute to self-doubt and hesitation in making informed decisions about their life and career. The fear of social judgement including family disapproval, and internalized power structures exclude women from economic, educational and career opportunities in Pakistan.

Regardless of organizational, family, and social support, the initiative-taking behaviour of an individual is the strongest predictor of changing the situation or oneself.

This research aims to design and implement a comprehensive self-leadership programme for Pakistani women. The objective of the research project is to empower women in their early career stage (with some formal education such as matriculate, high school, college) with self-leadership strategies such as self-awareness, self-goal setting, self-reward and self-regulation to make career decisions in any field of their choice.