Women Researchers in Pakistani Think Tanks

Pakistan remained historically labelled as a patriarchal society, though the status of women remained under discussion in the past 77 years. An underdeveloped country which remained under the tribunal of security and terrorism, politico-economic instability, poverty, lack of infrastructure and energy crisis, water and environmental issues, educational and health care crisis, and regional tensions. Moreover, the nation faced moral degradation through the insensitivities adopted through the Westernised media and capitalistic systems. In Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Islam remained only as a title; the teachings of Islam lingered, and the residues of strong patriarchy from the joint Hindustan, where various nations were living together, became dominant. To explore the roots of patriarchy in Pakistani society, one must understand the challenges the nation has been facing. Over decades this has impacted the status of women in general and the working class specifically. The role of working women evolved considerably over the years through increased formal participation in economic activity, challenges of employment and work-life balance, legal protection, entrepreneurial needs and opportunities, and so-called empowerment initiatives. As in many other countries, in Pakistan, women’s participation in specialised jobs across sectors has increased. These specialised fields include medicine and health care, engineering and technology, law and legal services, science and research, finance and banking, media and journalism, education and academia, and arts and culture. Historically, women have been dominating in the education sector and over past decades have been excelling in university-based research. Over the last decade, with growth in the think tank sector in Pakistan, women’s participation in social sciences research has also improved. This chapter intends to present the contribution and challenges of women researchers within Islamabad-based social sciences think tanks, which are predominantly male institutions. These women researchers are not only marking history towards bringing social change and national development but also enhancing their research careers, leaving footprint for others to follow.