Empowering Women in Library Leadership: Key Indicators and Barriers in Pakistan

Abstract

In developing countries like Pakistan, library profession is male dominant. Women library professionals are insufficiently represented in prominent leadership positions. The main focus of this study is to examine the contributions of women library leaders to library profession with key indicators required for clinching leadership role in the workplace. The root causes and challenges being faced by women library leaders are also a point of discussion. Qualitative research approach was used to conduct this study. The women library leaders serving at capital Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa- Pakistan was the research setting. A total of twenty eight women library leaders were thoroughly interviewed. The findings of the study revealed that women library leaders have keen intention to adopt modern library services in their workplace. The attainment of higher degree & certification, specialized trainings, mentorship and networking, professional experience and expertise, supportive work environment and organizational culture are reported as the key indicators for success to reach leadership chairs in libraries of Pakistan. It was depicted that traditional patriarchal structure, culture and societal norms, restricted access to education, undue social expectations, gender discrimination, harassment and violence at workplace, religious and ethnic restrictions and lack of policy support are the major challenges being faced by women library leaders in Pakistan. It was concluded that gender equality, public awareness campaign, community engagement, workplace flexibility, and gender based policy reforms are the possible means that can be employed to assist women library professionals to achieve leadership positions in library and Information sector of Pakistan.