Role of Women in Politics of Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract
Participation of women in politics has always been one of the topics for discussion in Pakistan, where women make up a significant portion of the population. Despite constitutional and legal safeguards, their political participation has been limited. This article examines that how women play their role in politics of Pakistan, also observe participation, and how they represent politics in different political arenas, and the challenges they face. The study highlights that how women participation in politics is important to achieve gender equality, democracy, and social justice. Pakistan has a long history of patriarchal social norms and cultural practices that limit women's participation in public life. These norms and practices have often discouraged women from pursuing careers in politics, as they are viewed as the domain of men. As a result, women's political participation in Pakistan has been historically low, with women occupying only a small number of political positions. However, in recent years, there have been some positive developments in politics of Pakistan regarding women participation. The country has implemented legal and policy measures to enhance the representation of women in political institutions. In 2017, for example, the Election Act was amended to ensure that political parties would have to field at least 5% women candidates in general elections. Furthermore, the National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill in 2013, which is a critical step in addressing gender-based violence and protecting women's rights. Despite these positive developments, women still face significant challenges in participating in politics in Pakistan. Women's access to education and training is limited, which affects their ability to engage in political activities effectively. Furthermore, women often face discrimination and harassment in the political arena, which can discourage them from entering politics.