Half of Pakistan would welcome female head of state

Benazir Bhutto was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state. PHOTO: EPA

ISLAMABAD: According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, almost half (49%) of all Pakistanis say that they would welcome a female head of the country provided she is talented and popular as opposed to 44% who disagree.

This is a notable change from 25 years ago: In 1986, a similar Gallup and Gilani poll had found that 39% supported a capable female leader while 51% did not.

The survey also reveals that proportionately a higher percentage of women (56%) support a female leader than men (43%). Young adults (between 30-50 years) approve of a female head of the country the most (58%) as compared to other age groups.

In two different surveys, a nationally representative sample of men and women from across the country were asked the following question:

Some people believe that a woman cannot be the head of the country while others are of the opinion that if a woman is talented and popular, there is no reason why she cannot lead a country. What is your view?

In 2010, 49% have shown support for a woman head of the country, while 44% are against it. Seven percent gave no response.

The comparable figures in response to the same question in 1986 were: 39% were in favor of a female leadership as opposed to 51% who were not. 10% gave no response.

A detailed analysis of the recent data shows that more urbanites (55%) are in favour of a female head of the country, if she is capable, as compared to their rural counterparts (46%).