Women’s Political Participation In Pakistan

Abstract

This paper intends to review and analyze varying level of women’s participation in politics at different periods of time in political history of Pakistan and its impact on the status of women in the country. First, the paper focuses on historical trajectory of women’s marginal political participation in past and recently increased representation in formal political institutions through enhanced political quotas for women introduced from national to local level. Besides the feminist motives, it also identifies the “non-feminist motives” or “competing masculine interests” working behind this increased entry of women in the male domain of political sphere. Second, it explores and compares the impacts of women’s absence from or recent presence in political institutions on different aspects of society (especially law to protect women). The basic argument is that the increased women’s participation has the potential to enlarge public space for women and give them voice in legislative appropriation. Thus, this increased participation helps in creating a relatively more egalitarian and democratic society. Finally, the paper explores future prospects of women’s political participation at different levels along with recommendations to improve state policies in this regard.

Political Participation of Female in Pakistan: Prospects and Challenges

“…Furthermore, societal perceptions of females' leadership abilities, socioeconomic status, and lack of education and skills have all contributed to the decreased political involvement of women. Syed & Tabassum (2014) and Matloob et al (2021) have also identified that patriarchal family structure and controlling bi-male heads in remote areas are the major reasons restricting females from appearing and working in public places. Furthermore, "biradari support", "patronage reference, and " less economical means" to move forward in political procedures.…”

“…The dynastic control exerted by a few members within the party creates a favorable environment for female members of their own families, enabling them to occupy more positions and seats in party affairs. Consequently, individuals with personal networks or dynastic connections have more opportunities to benefit from the candidate selection process (Syed & Tabassum, 2014). On the other hand, grassrootslevel women face difficulties due to a lack of networking and connections, as the dynastic political system favors women with a strong political background.…”

“…On the other hand, grassrootslevel women face difficulties due to a lack of networking and connections, as the dynastic political system favors women with a strong political background. This informal characteristic of the political system presents numerous challenges to female workers at different levels (Syed & Tabassum, 2014). These dynamics contribute to the favoritism of females with political backgrounds in dynastic political systems.…”

Gender Differentials In Educated People’s Perceptions Regarding Anti Women Social Practices In Pakistan

“…A never precedent large number of women entering and participating in different tiers of the political system in last decade, inducted through gender quota system have also repeatedly raise these issues of women's victimization in the political and legislative forums (i.e. Local Governments, Provincial Assemblies, National Assembly and the Senate) (Syed & Tabassum 2014, Tabassum 2016. The result was the formulation of a number of new laws and the amendments done to remove flaws from already existing legal provisions to protect women citizens (Weiss 2012, Tabassum 2016, Syed & Tabassum 2014.…”

“…Local Governments, Provincial Assemblies, National Assembly and the Senate) (Syed & Tabassum 2014, Tabassum 2016. The result was the formulation of a number of new laws and the amendments done to remove flaws from already existing legal provisions to protect women citizens (Weiss 2012, Tabassum 2016, Syed & Tabassum 2014. Still the effective implementation of the new laws aimed at protecting and safeguarding women by curbing these harmful socio-cultural practices is a challenge faced by Pakistani society and law enforcing agencies.…”