Impact of familial support on a high school female student's academic journey in STEM disciplines in Lahore, Pakistan

This study investigates how familial support influences female students' participation and performance in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Pakistan. Using a mixed-methods approach, surveys and interviews were conducted with high school girls in Lahore. The findings reveal that while patriarchal norms persist, many families, especially in urban middle-class households, are increasingly supportive of their daughters’ STEM ambitions. Emotional encouragement emerged as a more critical factor than financial resources. However, societal pressures, traditional career expectations, and lack of female role models continue to pose significant challenges. The research highlights the evolving role of family dynamics in shaping girls' access to STEM fields in Pakistan.