Women’s Leadership Narratives from Higher Education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

This study explores women’s university leadership stories in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, with particular attention to how they attain leadership roles, construct their leadership identities, and navigate the challenges associated with these positions. Guided by four research questions, the study examines pathways to leadership, expressions of authentic leadership, barriers encountered in practice, and the strategies used to overcome them. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with four female leaders at the University of Swabi. The interviews were transcribed and manually coded to identify recurring patterns, themes, and narrative insights. The findings indicate that women’s pathways to leadership in higher education are often complex and non-linear. Participants described a range of challenges clustered around three main areas: gender-based barriers, constraints on professional development, and tensions between leadership responsibilities and family life. Despite these obstacles, the participants demonstrated persistence and adaptability, drawing on personal agency and experiential learning to progress in their careers. Overall, the study highlights that women’s leadership journeys are shaped by both structural limitations and individual navigation strategies. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of leadership in higher education and underscore the importance of supporting more inclusive and sustainable pathways for women in academic leadership roles.