Men’s Perception of Women’s Role and Girls’ Education among Pashtun Tribes of Pakistan: A Qualitative Delphi Study

Abstract

This paper examines how Pashtun men perceive women’s role and girls’ education. A modified two-round Delphi exercise was followed by in-depth qualitative interviews with Pashtun men of diverse backgrounds, including representatives of religious and political groups. The interviews demonstrated that the sociocultural status of women, and consequently their access to education, remains deeply tied to Pashtunwali (tribal code) and rigid religious interpretations. Though at times contradictory, the ideas and stereotypes arising from religion, culture, and politics were found to meaningfully shape men’s attitudes about women’s participation in community and education. However, the study found that, compared to rural and tribal areas, these traditions and restrictions are not as rigidly practiced in the urban and plains areas. Understanding men’s views is a starting point. The next step is to engage men in the collective struggle for gender justice.