WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE IN PAKISTAN: AN INVESTIGATION OF STATE OF WOMEN IN THE PROFESSION

Abstract

The status of women in architecture institution, reveals a record of achievement on global as well as national level, in a developing country like Pakistan, reflecting the advances made in education and practice but also reflecting the barriers that still await women. Although women are increasing in number as students and graduates, yet they are under-represented in practice. This paper studies the status of women architects in Pakistan through a survey of registered architects, to understand the factors that influence their career participation, selection, retention, and professional growth and development. The results inferred that professional experiences of women likely to be influenced by factors such as, in the work place, in the office system, in the family, in the work place flexibility, professional support in work place, and in the society in general.  A comparison of male and female perceptions suggest a statistically significant discrepancy on issues like gender inequalities in work place, work place support by organization and professional growth. Family commitments and childcare are the challenging factors, while work flexibility is a prominent factor for retention of women. The paper provided the empirical data on women in architecture, in Pakistan with recommendations for professional inclusion, workforce retention, and career long development.