WOMEN POLITICAL REPRESENTATION IN PAKISTAN (2002-2018)

Abstract

This study examines women's political representation in Pakistan from 2002 to 2018, focusing on their participation in national and provincial assemblies. During this period, Pakistan implemented reserved seat mechanisms for women, ensuring a defined level of female representation. The National Assembly had 60 reserved seats for women, while provincial assemblies like Punjab and Sindh had allocations like 66 and 29 seats respectively. Despite these provisions, women's direct electoral victories on general seats remained relatively low, with eight women winning in the 2018 National Assembly elections. The research highlights challenges women face, including patriarchal societal structures, limited mobility, financial constraints, and gender stereotypes affecting their political engagement. Notable female politicians like Fahmida Mirza, Yasmin Rashid, and Hina Rabbani Khar held significant roles, showcasing women's contributions to governance. The study underscores the interplay of constitutional measures, party dynamics, and socio-cultural factors influencing women's political participation in Pakistan.