Stepping outside home culture: Stories of three women from rural Pakistan in pursuit of identity

This paper explores experiences and perspectives of women from poor rural areas of Pakistan regarding their choice to get higher education and pursue their individual identity. It is based on the narratives of three women from different villages of Sindh, the southern province of Pakistan. Participants' narratives indicate that they faced gender discrimination since their birth at home. When they showed a wish to get higher education, they were permitted with an unwritten contract with their families that their education would never be a hurdle in performing their duties as women. Society stifled their motivation to move ahead and grow out of the accepted social norms. Yet once they realised themselves as individuals, they strive for their place and make space in society. The study suggests further research in the lives of women who refuse to be overwhelmed by social challenges and continue their pursuit for identity.