Women’s Political Empowerment: A Historical Overview in Pakistan

Abstract

In the contemporary world, women enjoy a very prominent position in politics at all levels concerning national and international politics, but their journey towards political empowerment cannot be understood unless we understand their role and status in ancient society. The present study is a historical overview of the process of women’s political empowerment in Pakistan. It is true that in Pakistan women are completely allowed political rights but practically they have to face a number of socio-cultural and political hurdles that have presented challenges to participate in the political system. According to the nature of the study, the article is based upon secondary information following an evolutionary perspective with regard to socio-political growth, changes, and development. For the source of data collection library method has been used. The study concludes that the trends towards the political participation and political empowerment of women all through pre and post-independence of Pakistan and especially over the last ten general elections; it was very difficult for women to enjoy their equal political rights as compared to men in the mainstream politics. Initially, only a few seats were reserved for them but after introducing the quota system their ratio of membership in parliament is enhanced which is still not satisfactory. Although after 1999 the majority of women come into politics however their role in the perspective of change for the political empowerment of women was very limited.