Research Paper -1

1) Title: When Homes Break: A Socio-Psychological Inquiry into Divorce, Women’s Resilience, and Child Well-being in Pakistan

Authors: Anbreen Bibi, Farda Shahid, Musrat Nazir

Abstract: The study investigates the multifaceted causes and socio-economic consequences of divorce on women and children within the socio-cultural context of Pakistan. The study utilizes primary data gathered via structured questionnaires to capture the perspectives of various respondents about the causes and consequences of marital dissolution. According to the results, third-party intervention is thought to be the primary reason for divorce, followed by family interference and domestic abuse. Lack of assistance is cited as the biggest obstacle facing women following divorce, and financial dependence and the absence of alimony make matters worse. With most respondents stating that children experience emotional and psychological suffering, the study also looks at the behavioural and psychological impacts of divorce on children. Though there is disagreement among the public over whether men or women do better following divorce, many people think that both can adapt if they share childcare and financial obligations. Early marriage has also been found to be a major local factor in divorce. These results highlight the necessity of more robust social support networks, legislative changes, and public awareness initiatives to alleviate the psychological and financial consequences of divorce, particularly for women in Pakistan.

Keywords: Divorce; Socioeconomic Impact; Psychological Issues; Early Marriage; Public Opinion; Family Dynamics; Pakistan. 

Journal: SHE.NEXT: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Women in Power, Style, Science, and Society 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16759934        

Research Paper -2

2) Title: From Broken Toys to Broken Dreams: The Life-Cycle of Girl Child Garbage Collectors in Pakistan

Authors: Ammara Safeer, Musarrat Khalid, Wajid Zulqarnain, Farda Shahid, Haider Ali Shams

Abstract:The life trajectories of female child garbage collectors, from shattered toys in early infancy to unfulfilled aspirations in adolescence, exemplify a cycle of hardship, marginalization, and lost opportunities. This research examines the socio-economic and psychological conditions of these children via a thematic analysis, secondary sources and observational insights, contextualizing their experiences within wider discussions on child labour, gender inequality, and urban poverty. The main aim is to examine the demographic, educational, health, and aspirational aspects of female garbage collectors, while also emphasizing the effects of stigma, exploitation, and constrained future opportunities. The study creates a scenario involving 200 female child laborers in prominent metropolitan slums across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and the Federal Capital. This approach aims to represent credible realities by integrating insights from current research, socio-economic indices, and observable trends in urban poverty. The model reveals disturbing trends, i.e., high exposure to illness due to unsafe working conditions, negligible educational attainment, household dependence on child labour, and deep-rooted feelings of stigma, and vulnerability. While aspirations for education and dignified livelihoods exist, the modeled outlook suggests that most girls remain entrapped in hazardous labour cycles with limited prospects for upward mobility. The research suggests that the life-cycle of female child garbage collectors is characterized by systematic neglect, whereby poverty, illiteracy, and exploitative work converge to stifle ambitions. The results underscore the pressing need for comprehensive interventions, like equal educational access, social protection strategies, healthcare, and stigma alleviation efforts, which help to break this persistent cycle and provide avenues for empowerment.

Keywords: Girl Child Labor; Garbage Collectors; Child Poverty; Social Stigma; Pakistan.

Journal: SHE.NEXT: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Women in Power, Style, Science, and Society 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16925898