Experts stress women’s political participation

Say despite advancements, they face substantial obstacles to political engagement

ISLAMABAD:

There is an immediate requirement to address the concerning state of women's political participation and outline the challenges ahead, said National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar.

She was speaking at the second phase of the innovative consultation conference series, ‘The Next Horizon’. Organised by the NCSW in collaboration with UN Women, this initiative is focused on developing a comprehensive National Agenda to enhance women’s role in politics and promote their economic empowerment.

The conference series marks a significant milestone for NCSW, as it is the first of its kind to unite a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, activists, academics, and community leaders. The primary objective of these conferences is to facilitate inclusive dialogue that will shape policies and strategies to empower women and girls across the country.

“We are at a critical juncture in our nation's history where women's voices should be heard, amplified, and integrated into the political process. Empowering women in politics is not just about equality; it's about enhancing the very fabric of our democracy,” said Bakhtiar.

MPA Punjab and Punjab Women Protection Authority Chairperson, Hina Pervaiz Butt, emphasised the need for change that is systematic in the participation of women politically, stating, “Despite the progress we have made, the journey towards gender equality in politics remains incomplete. We must address and dismantle the structural barriers preventing women's full participation.

While addressing the audience OIC UN Women, Saman Ahsan, highlighted the importance of women’s role in politics. Empowering women in politics is crucial for creating a more representative and effective governance system.

Minister of State, Azad Jammu Kashmir, Kausar Taqdees Gillani stated, "Women’s political participation is essential for achieving gender equality and strengthening democracy. We must ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but are central to our nation’s governance."

Minister of Education Balochistan, Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, further outlined her vision for addressing the province’s diverse challenges through inclusive growth, social cohesion, and effective governance.

Shaheena Sher Ali, Minister of the Women Development Department, Sindh said, that empowering women requires challenging outdated roles and creating laws that support their participation in national and international fields.

Despite advancements, women in Pakistan face substantial obstacles to political engagement. In the 2024 general elections, only 4.6% of general seat candidates were women. Gender quotas and reserved seats have not significantly accelerated women’s rise to influential roles, with barriers such as economic dependency, sociocultural resistance, and limited access to leadership training.