Us and them: Men not ready to treat women as equals in politics
Survey reveals despite paper politics, parties do little on ground to support women’s rights.
SHABQADAR:
Women in politics perceive their male counterparts to be mostly uncomfortable during their work and social interaction.
This was one of the results of a survey and research carried out by non-governmental organisation (NGO) Search for Common Ground (SCG) as part of its project ‘Women initiative for learning and leadership’.
While addressing the launch of the SCG survey at University of Peshawar on Monday, Vice Chancellor Dr Rasool Jan said Pakistani women like Benazir Bhutto and Begum Nasim Wali Khan have proven their mettle at the helm of the country’s affairs. He added active participation of women is fundamental for a robust society.
From the ground up
The survey focused on women in Peshawar, DI Khan and Tank districts and Gomal Zam in South Waziristan Agency.
The project’s executive director said around 60 women working for Peshawar union council, 26 for DI Khan, and 10 for Tank and Gomal Zam were interviewed during the study. The women also participated in group discussions where they were asked about the hurdles they come across while participating in politics; how they are treated by the opposite sex; and their representation in the media.
Urban woman vs rural woman
The study revealed women from underdeveloped areas of the province are less aware of their rights and duties as compared to those in the urban centres.
Women political workers from DI Khan and Tank feel isolated in the male-dominated environment. They are treated like cogs in the machine and are hardly involved in the decision-making process, reflected the research.
All the women from Tank said they were not treated at par with men. They were not even allowed in government offices in absence of their male family members, they said.
However, the survey’s results suggest women are taken more seriously when in positions of power as compared to men.
City [wo]men
Meanwhile, women in Peshawar felt a level of comfort while interacting with male colleagues which was not shared by those from Tank and DI Khan. The study noted men from underdeveloped areas had a more conservative mindset when compared to those from Peshawar.
Gender politics
Although on paper, most political parties in the country claim to support equal rights for women, little is done by them when it comes to lawmaking.
According to the SCG survey, even though 214 women were made part of national and provincial assemblies in the 2013 elections, this did not translate into hard power. “Numerical strength has not translated into women having decision-making influence or serving in key government positions,” stated the survey.
It noted that of the new women entrants, less than 10% (only 16) were elected to general seats; the rest were brought in on reserved slots. Adding women should be encouraged to contest elections on general seats and not reserved seats alone.
While talking to The Express Tribune, MNA and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial spokesperson Ayesha Gulalai Wazir, said hailing from the tribal belt, she experiences these problems first-hand.
The chief guest at the event, Gulalai maintained PTI has played a major role in mobilising women in mainstream politics. This, she said, is the reason why she has was given such a central portfolio in the party.
Gulalai rejected the claims of an unequal distribution of discretionary funds amongst elected representatives. She said MPAs elected on reserved seats are not provided with these funds because they have no constituency to work for.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2014.
Women in politics perceive their male counterparts to be mostly uncomfortable during their work and social interaction.
This was one of the results of a survey and research carried out by non-governmental organisation (NGO) Search for Common Ground (SCG) as part of its project ‘Women initiative for learning and leadership’.
While addressing the launch of the SCG survey at University of Peshawar on Monday, Vice Chancellor Dr Rasool Jan said Pakistani women like Benazir Bhutto and Begum Nasim Wali Khan have proven their mettle at the helm of the country’s affairs. He added active participation of women is fundamental for a robust society.
From the ground up
The survey focused on women in Peshawar, DI Khan and Tank districts and Gomal Zam in South Waziristan Agency.
The project’s executive director said around 60 women working for Peshawar union council, 26 for DI Khan, and 10 for Tank and Gomal Zam were interviewed during the study. The women also participated in group discussions where they were asked about the hurdles they come across while participating in politics; how they are treated by the opposite sex; and their representation in the media.
Urban woman vs rural woman
The study revealed women from underdeveloped areas of the province are less aware of their rights and duties as compared to those in the urban centres.
Women political workers from DI Khan and Tank feel isolated in the male-dominated environment. They are treated like cogs in the machine and are hardly involved in the decision-making process, reflected the research.
All the women from Tank said they were not treated at par with men. They were not even allowed in government offices in absence of their male family members, they said.
However, the survey’s results suggest women are taken more seriously when in positions of power as compared to men.
City [wo]men
Meanwhile, women in Peshawar felt a level of comfort while interacting with male colleagues which was not shared by those from Tank and DI Khan. The study noted men from underdeveloped areas had a more conservative mindset when compared to those from Peshawar.
Gender politics
Although on paper, most political parties in the country claim to support equal rights for women, little is done by them when it comes to lawmaking.
According to the SCG survey, even though 214 women were made part of national and provincial assemblies in the 2013 elections, this did not translate into hard power. “Numerical strength has not translated into women having decision-making influence or serving in key government positions,” stated the survey.
It noted that of the new women entrants, less than 10% (only 16) were elected to general seats; the rest were brought in on reserved slots. Adding women should be encouraged to contest elections on general seats and not reserved seats alone.
While talking to The Express Tribune, MNA and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial spokesperson Ayesha Gulalai Wazir, said hailing from the tribal belt, she experiences these problems first-hand.
The chief guest at the event, Gulalai maintained PTI has played a major role in mobilising women in mainstream politics. This, she said, is the reason why she has was given such a central portfolio in the party.
Gulalai rejected the claims of an unequal distribution of discretionary funds amongst elected representatives. She said MPAs elected on reserved seats are not provided with these funds because they have no constituency to work for.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2014.