KARACHI:
Women’s active participation in politics promises prosperity by advocating for inclusive policies and propelling a nation’s development. Similarly, Pakistan’s Constitution mandates a women’s quota to ensure their representation in the national and provincial assemblies. This reflects the recognition of women’s role in national politics and the commitment to promoting inclusivity and participation. However, the ground realities paint a gloomy picture of women’s political stakes.
One formidable challenge is the persistent issue of dynastic allocation of reserved seats, where political families wield disproportionate influence and power. This practice undermines the essence of genuine representation, creating a disconnect, as the nominated women may lack the understanding of the issues faced by women. Adding to the complexity is the capture of reserved seats by privileged women who dominate the political space but neglect the needs of marginalised women. A third challenge is the societal and cultural norms that discourage women from participating in politics. Discrimination, lack of education and social expectations create barriers for women to access and benefit from the quota. This hampers the goal of achieving gender equality in political representation.
The implications of these challenges resonate deeply in the realm of women’s empowerment in Pakistan. They not only perpetuate existing power imbalances but also impede the emergence of new, diverse and dynamic leadership.
A comprehensive approach is imperative, involving interventions that delve into the root causes of these challenges and create an enabling environment for women to actively participate and influence the political landscape. Mentorship programmes and capacity-building initiatives can nurture and equip women leaders significantly.
While the women’s quota system in Pakistan’s parliament signifies a crucial step towards gender equality in politics, it undeniably falls short. By actively confronting challenges and fostering an environment conducive to women’s political participation, Pakistan can truly pave the way for lasting change in its political landscape.
Saifullah Khoso
Shikarpur
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2024.
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