Performance of resistance

An inside look at female parliamentarians and their struggle for power in Pakistan’s political jungle

Despite its apparent democratic status, Pakistan fails to give equal representation to women in politics. There are a number of platforms for them to launch their political careers from but unfortunately, due to security concerns and corruption, many women are actually fearful of doing so.

Not to mention, the greater half of our population still believes it to be against the norm for a woman to seek gratification anywhere outside of the kitchen, making it extremely difficult for her to pursue a career anywhere, let alone in politics.

Sharmila Farooqi

Under such circumstances, there are a few exceptions that have been resisting social stigma and male domination for years and making headway. In fact, they make one question whether Pakistani politics is as gender-biased as we deem it to be. Sharmila Farooqui, Minister of Culture and Tourism and Secretary Information for Sindh, is one such woman who has never let her gender get in the way. “I actually wanted to become a barrister and even completed my Masters in Law but life had other, greater plans for me,” says Sharmila when asked about her career trajectory. “After the demise of Benazir Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari pushed me to become a member of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) so it was destiny that lead me here.”  According to Sharmila, the PPP offers many points of entry for women who wish to participate in its operations, such as the social service wing, the women’s wing, the study circle wing and the minority and youth wings. Therefore, it is not necessary for women to travel to major cities as they can always begin from the grass root level, within their own communities, and work their way to the top. “As the co-chairman of PP, Zardari is a huge advocate of female empowerment,” shares Sharmila. Women can, therefore, feel free to contest elections for both general and reserved seats.

Women in the Parliament

As per data compiled by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (based on information from national parliaments by June 1, 2015) the 2013 elections in Pakistan saw 67 of the 323 seats occupied by women in the lower or single house. In the 2015 elections, 18 out of 100 seats were given to women in the upper house or Senate.

Sumeta Afzal Syed

Similarly, Sumeta Afzal Syed has successfully won a seat for herself in Pakistan’s Provincial Assembly at just 26 years of age. After completing a degree in psychology from the United States, Sumeta returned to Pakistan and joined a leading pharmaceutical company as the director of CSR. She also advocated social issues as part of the Council of Professionals, eventually becoming a general member and then, joint in-charge within a year. A representative of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Sumeta is credited as the youngest MPA ever and believes women can work around all social issues if they are determined and courageous. “The MQM offers different opportunities for female political aspirants as well,” shares Sumeta. “They can join the All Pakistan Muttahida Students Organisation (APMSO) or the media, professional, social, diplomatic, research or blogs wings.”

But of course, even Sharmila and Sumeta have dealt with their fair share of hardships, considering that Pakistan’s patriarchal mindset only solidifies the glass ceiling further. As in every other field of work, female politicians have to work twice as hard as their male counterparts whilst shrugging off the latter’s unnecessary chafing. “There is a general tendency for parties to include women simply for the sake of it,” claims Sharmila. “When I entered politics, people did not take me seriously either. And even though I had the goodwill of the former president, I had to work my way up.” According to Sharmila, competency and discipline are imperative for a successful career in the political jungle. “I have raised slogans and even sat in dharnas but thoroughly enjoyed doing so. One’s sustainability in any party depends on their commitment to it.” She is a beacon of hope for working women everywhere, struggling to strike a balance between their personal and professional lives. “I have a responsibility to my husband and home and there is always some adjustment that needs to be made,” admits Sharmila. “But I am good at managing my time and draw inspiration from the life of Benazir.”

Ali Raza Abidi

For the young Sumeta, domestic duties are not as pertinent an issue as security and financial remuneration. “Talibanisation is a major issue which impacts the role of women in politics,” she explains, citing the attack on Malala Yousafzai as an example. “Also, I was making much more money while employed in the private sector so politics is not always as financially rewarding as a full-time job. The salary is often insufficient for running a household.” Nonetheless, Sumeta is content with her chosen field and considers her party to be her greatest strength. “When I returned from America after 14 years, I had a huge cultural shock. But the MQM selected me on my merits and our leader Altaf Hussain has been a great mentor.”

We will be heard

A study conducted by the Aurat Foundation entitled ‘A Five Year Report on Performance of Women Parliamentarians in the 12th National Assembly (2002-2007),’ found that 27% of all questions were moved by female MPs during the given years. Similarly, 30% of total calling-attention notices, 24% of total resolutions and 42% of private member bills were initiated by women.

Interestingly, some men from political backgrounds have a similar perspective and actually propagate female involvement in their work. Member of National Assembly (MNA) and MQM representative Ali Raza Abidi, for instance, openly admits, “Men do not accept women as equals in society or inside national, provincial or Senate assemblies.” According to Ali, this social bias worsens the situation as the uneducated masses try and impose their personal agenda onto national politics. “Also, our politics is known for corruption and mismanagement and many women would not want to be associated with that,” he claims.

However, Ali is surprisingly hopeful about the future of female participation. “I am expecting a representation of at least 50% in the elections of 2018 and 2023,” he shares. Sharmila lends credence to Ali’s claim, highlighting the recent local body elections in Lower Dir, which were negated as women were not allowed to vote. She also believes that recent efforts to improve security as well as Operation Zarb-a-Azb will help as well.  Sharmila gives a few words of warning, describing politics as ‘not a part-time job.’ “You are in the public eye all the time so there is no privacy. There is a lot of competition too and you must be prepared for that. It is not easy speaking about women’s issues in a male-dominated forum!”

Nonetheless, both Sharmila and Sumeta acknowledge that their respective parties are very good to their female members and look after them in every way. Sumeta is a strong believer that the youth of Pakistan must come forth and bring about a change in the political landscape. “Educated youngsters understand the good and bad of the East and West. They have the energy to run a country and that is exactly what our country needs for a better future.”

Until then, we must encourage our women to resist the odds and further their standing in society themselves. Unless we equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge and skills, we cannot hope to make strides in any profession. Remember that for politics to give equal participation to men and women, it is not necessary for society to change as a whole but that a few, forward-thinking individuals at least get the ball rolling. Sharmila and Sumeta are already doing their part. But are you?

Did You Know?

The MQM is credited with holding Pakistan’s biggest female rally ever in Karachi about two years ago. Also, two out of the four seats granted to the MQM in the Senate are occupied by women.

Komal Anwar is a subeditor at The Express Tribune magazine desk.
She tweets @Komal1201

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, August 9^th, 2015.