Do Women in Pakistan Still Encounter Profound Bias in Academic Institutions?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In Islamabad, a recent report reveals the ongoing challenges women face in Pakistani academic settings, highlighting a troubling incident involving a university vice chancellor. This report sheds light on deeply ingrained biases that shape professional interactions and the expectations placed on women, sparking a dialogue on gender equality in education.
Key Takeaways
- Women in Pakistan's academia face systemic bias.
- Recent remarks from a university leader reveal entrenched stereotypes.
- Women are often judged on emotional grounds rather than professional merit.
- Academic power structures normalize discriminatory comments.
- Such biases influence future generations in educational settings.
Islamabad, Dec 12 (NationPress) The academic atmosphere in Pakistan continues to regulate and penalize women who challenge the societal norms of submissiveness. A recent incident involving Zabta Khan Shinwari, Vice Chancellor of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST), has unveiled a concerning yet enduring reality, as highlighted in a report released on Friday.
The report emphasized that the ruling by the Pakistani Federal Ombudsperson declaring his remarks as workplace harassment is not merely a critique of one individual's actions; it represents a widespread, ingrained bias that shadows women throughout their professional journeys.
“When Dr. Shinwari suggested that women’s assertiveness is linked to 'hormonal issues' for those over 35, he was not just making an inappropriate statement. He echoed a time-worn strategy used to silence women by attributing their behavior to medical conditions. Diminishing a female professional’s conduct to her biology is an age-old tactic: one that enables institutions to disregard her arguments without genuine engagement,” detailed a report from the European Times.
“The lecturer who lodged the complaint faced not just ridicule; she confronted the immense pressure of an academic power structure that normalizes such comments. When a leader of an institution publicly describes professional women as hormonally unstable, he is perpetuating a worldview that students internalize, colleagues accept, and junior faculty are forced to navigate quietly,” it stressed.
According to the findings, the academic setting in Pakistan exacerbates biases, intertwining ageism and sexism to foster an expectation that women must excel in their roles while also providing emotional support to others.
“A woman who refrains from offering warmth is labeled as difficult. A woman who establishes professional boundaries is branded as abrasive. A woman who prioritizes expertise over caregiving is perceived as a threat. In this cultural framework, mere intelligence is insufficient; it must be accompanied by a likable demeanor to gain acceptance,” it stated.
The report indicated that the Vice Chancellor's comments are not isolated incidents but reflect a mindset that has long permeated Pakistan’s professional environments.
“When a senior academic trivializes a woman’s professional behavior as hormonal instability, he sends a message to every young person on campus: that men’s authority is based on intellect, while women’s actions are biologically determined. Such messaging is subtle yet powerful, influencing how future generations will interact with their female peers, subordinates, and leaders,” it highlighted.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to highlight the systemic issues affecting women's rights in Pakistan. This report serves as a crucial reminder of the persistent biases that need to be addressed. We stand firm in our commitment to advocate for gender equality in all spheres of society.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent incident highlights bias against women in Pakistan's academia?
The recent remarks by Vice Chancellor Zabta Khan Shinwari, who attributed women's assertiveness to hormonal issues, exemplify the deep-rooted biases present in Pakistan's academic institutions.
How do societal expectations impact women's careers in Pakistan?
Women often face pressure to conform to traditional roles, which can inhibit their professional growth and lead to discrimination in academic environments.
What does the report suggest about the academic culture in Pakistan?
The report indicates that the academic culture in Pakistan perpetuates sexism and ageism, creating an environment where women are expected to excel while also providing emotional support.
