Role of Education and Familial Support in Overcoming Gender Barriers to Employment: Evidence from Employed Women Teachers in Rural KPK

Abstract

This study examines the pivotal role of education and familial support in enabling employed women teachers to overcome gender-based barriers to employment in rural areas of KPK, Pakistan. Despite persistent socio-cultural norms, patriarchal structures, restricted mobility, early marriage pressures, and workplace discrimination that limit women's access to formal employment, teaching remains one of the few socially acceptable professions for women in conservative rural settings. The research adopts a quantitative approach, drawing on primary data collected from a sample of 180–200 employed female teachers selected through stratified random sampling from government girls’ primary and secondary schools across selected rural districts of KP ( Dir Lower, Buner,  Nowshera).Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire with validated scales measuring levels of education (qualification and years of schooling), familial support (parental/spousal encouragement, financial assistance, and approval for mobility/work), perceived gender barriers (discrimination, safety concerns, cultural restrictions), and employment outcomes (job entry, retention, and career progression). Reliability of the instrument was assessed via Cronbach’s alpha (≥0.80), and analysis was performed using SPSS, incorporating bi-variate analyzed through statistics, correlation, regression, and Chi-square tests to explore associations was conducted by SPSS software. Results indicate significant positive associations: higher education (bachelor’s/master’s) strongly predicts ability to secure and retain employment (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), equipping women with credentials and confidence to challenge norms. Familial support acts as a key mediator (β = 0.38, p < 0.001), with spousal/in-law approval reducing mobility restrictions and enhancing job satisfaction. Low family backing exacerbates barriers like commute safety fears and cultural disapproval.

Keywords: Gender barriers, women teachers, familial support, education, rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, employment, Pashtun norms