Breaking barriers and embracing change in Pakistan: Unpacking transformative potential of higher education for women's empowerment

This paper explores the transformative potential of higher education for empowering women in Pakistan. The data is drawn from in-depth interviews with educated working women from various occupational backgrounds and belonging to Chitral District – a valley located in the north of Pakistan. Participants were selected through a purposive sampling technique and thematic analysis was used to identify and analyze patterns and themes from the data. Despite significant socio-cultural and economic challenges, Chitrali women are increasingly pursuing higher education, challenging traditional gender roles and norms. In this study, access to higher education and employment contributed for the personal growth and development of the women participants is conferred in a meaningful way. Women gained agency to make independent decisions, control resources and act as a catalyst for change. By understanding the experiences of Chitrali women in higher education, this study contributes to the existing scholarly work on women's empowerment and the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in Pakistan.