Women challenging the

political stereotype in
Pakistan

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“For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only
have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.” Once said the
Michelle Bachelet, current U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights,
former head of UN Women, and former president and defence minister of
Chile.

Women participation in legislative and political decision making has

increased as compared to the past, that’s mainly because of the quota
allocated seats in the legislative assembly of Pakistan. Many renowned
political parties have established women wings to enhance the credibility
and practice of democracy in their party structure. Also,
women leadership is achieving high ranks by holding public offices.

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But one cannot say that women are getting equal opportunities and
treatments when it comes to politics. Women representation in the parliament
of Pakistan is far less than men, in 2019, only 20.23% seats of national
parliaments were held by women. Moreover, due to the socio-political culture
of our country women are lagging behind in their political abilities. According
to a report by Search for Common Grounds (SFCG), women politicians and
female political representatives in Pakistan are not provided with the formal
training of political exercises and performing administrative actions/duties.

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Despite all backlash and negative criticism from the traditional political force of the
country, women representatives have managed to come out in front. The story starts
from the very Māder-e Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah the sister of the visionary leader
and founder of this country Mr Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Her courage and ability to lead
in the most patriarchal times has inspired many women to stand for themselves and
raise their voices against inequality and social injustice. When there is talk of women
leadership, Benazir Bhutto is the name resonates and speaks for itself in the most
distinguished manner. Benazir Bhutto by becoming the first female head of the
government of any Muslim majority country pioneered the stage of modern politics and
encouraged women all over the world to participate in politics and become agents of
change. Other significant names include Shahnaz Wazir Ali- one of the most important
names in the political sphere of Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz- Vice President (PML-N),
Shireen Mazari- Federal Minister of Human Rights, Sherry Rehman- first female leader
of the Opposition of the National Assembly of Pakistan and former to the United States
and the list goes on.
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Almost fifty percent of the total population of Pakistan consists of women. Most of these
women are residing in the rural areas, usually, lacking basic skills to be socially and
economically independent but on the other side a community-building oriented approach has
started to make significant changes in the social and political arena of Pakistan. In 2012,
Badam Zari, a brave woman from Bajaur district of Ex-FATA KP made headlines by
contesting in general election 2012 and challenging the male domination in politics. The
tribal culture, lack of education and social criticism didn’t stop her from raising her voice
against patriarchal politics. Zarmeen Akhtar hails from District of Chakwal, breaking
stereotypes by being a female trainer of polling officials. Inspector Anila from Malakand is
among the leaders in community policing in the Malakand district, she is helping young
women and girls by creating social understanding and making them aware of the actions and
reactions of the social systems around them. There are many examples of women-in-action
who are facing the resistance but are committed enough to make their voices heard.

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It can’t be said that Pakistan is climbing the ladder towards the progressive policies of
gender equality or women empowerment but it needs to be ensured at the levels of public
policymaking that women get the opportunities to play an equal part in the welfare and
development of society. Women leaders are better at conflict resolution and play a key role
in peacebuilding so, women should be encouraged to join the roles of leadership and
provided with the equal ground to do their part in policymaking.

Contributed by Ali Javaid (Social Activist)

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