Factors Affecting the Political Empowerment of Women: A Case Study of Pakistan

Abstract

The research paper examines factors affecting women’s political empowerment in Pakistan. Globally, the importance of women’s political empowerment; their representation in legislative assemblies, and their role in the democratic system are much realized. Almost half of the population of the country is consist of female, but still not empowered to play role in the development of the country. Women in Pakistan have less access to education, finance, and politics. This research paper will focus on impediments affecting women’s role in political affairs in Pakistan. The paper will highlight literacy challenges, social and cultural barriers, economic obstacles, and patriarchy as a system affecting overall gender equality and women empowerment in Pakistani society. Smooth running and positive outcomes of any form of a democratic system are not possible without the representation of women. In Pakistan, the general perception is that political affairs are dominated by males and politics is something unfamiliar to women. Women need to argue for their political rights to contribute to the decision-making process. The constitution of Pakistan guarantees women’s political rights. But the social, patriarchal, cultural, and structural barriers are obstacles in their way to political empowerment, and their role in political affairs, at the local, provincial, and national level remains limited. The study aims to explore barriers hindering the growth of political empowerment of women in Pakistan.