Barriers faced by women managers at universities: A case of Pakistan

Management is an occupational area where women are severely underrepresented. The lack of women in top management position has been the subject of much debate in developed countries. The study explores the barriers that undermine the women's representation at top management positions in universities of Pakistan. Quantitative method was used in the study. The objectives of the study are to overview the existing situation of women in management of universities and to identify the barriers that cause the underepresentation of women. Both primary and secondary data was used in the study. Simple random sampling was used to collect the data. The analyses was done through SPSS applying correlation and chi-square test. Findings show that structural factors such as mentoring, networking, selection and promotion practices and gender equity are the barriers to the career advancement of women. The result of the study may help to throw light on the factors that undermine the women's representation at top management and to provide directions to address this imbalance.