Understanding the Male-Dominated Business Environment in Pakistan: Lived Experiences of Female Interns

Understanding the Male-Dominated Business Environment in Pakistan: Lived Experiences of Female Interns

This research addresses the gap in the existing literature with regard to female interns’ experiences in Pakistan’s male-dominated business sector. Keeping gender role theory and Kanter’s idea of tokenism at the forefront, this research study examines the experiences and challenges that 20 female interns faced when they ventured into the business world. The research results suggest that even young, modern, and educated women in Pakistan are conscious of the barriers laid down by society for them and opt to remain within those boundaries by choosing a working environment they consider safe for themselves. A safe environment for them is synonymous with an environment with more women, and in the presence of men they conduct themselves according to religious and societal norms. The research also highlighted the importance of religion in Pakistani society; therefore, educated women try to find liberation while staying within the boundaries of progressive Islam.

This research addresses the gap in the existing literature with regard to female interns’ experiences in Pakistan’s male-dominated business sector. Keeping gender role theory and Kanter’s idea of tokenism at the forefront, this research study examines the experiences and challenges that 20 female interns faced when they ventured into the business world. The research results suggest that even young, modern, and educated women in Pakistan are conscious of the barriers laid down by society for them and opt to remain within those boundaries by choosing a working environment they consider safe for themselves. A safe environment for them is synonymous with an environment with more women, and in the presence of men they conduct themselves according to religious and societal norms. The research also highlighted the importance of religion in Pakistani society; therefore, educated women try to find liberation while staying within the boundaries of progressive Islam.