VII. GENDER AND GOVERNANCE |GENDER STUDIES| CSS EXAMS| CSS PMS TIMES
The participation of women in governance is essential to achieving an inclusive and representative democracy. This section explores the definition of governance, the historical context of the suffragist movement, and the gender issues faced by women in their roles as voters, candidates, and representatives. Additionally, the impact of political quotas in Pakistan, which aim to increase women’s participation in political spaces, will be examined.
Defining Governance:
Governance refers to the processes, systems, and practices through which authority is exercised in a society, including the decision-making processes that determine how public resources are managed. Good governance is typically characterized by transparency, accountability, rule of law, inclusivity, and effectiveness. Gendered governance specifically addresses the participation of all genders in these processes, emphasizing the importance of women’s voices and representation in decision-making bodies. Inclusive governance ensures that the diverse needs and perspectives of both men and women are reflected in policy-making, leading to more equitable and effective outcomes.
Suffragist Movement:
The suffragist movement, which began in the late 19th century, was a global campaign that advocated for women’s right to vote and participate in political processes. Women’s suffrage movements gained momentum in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, where activists argued that women should have equal political rights to men. New Zealand was the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893, setting a precedent that inspired other nations. The suffragist movement laid the foundation for later feminist activism and highlighted the importance of women’s involvement in governance. By gaining the right to vote, women could begin to influence laws and policies, marking a crucial step toward gender equality in political life.
Gender Issues in Women as Voters:
In Pakistan, women make up nearly half of the population, yet they face significant barriers as voters. These barriers include cultural norms that discourage women from participating in public life, limited access to information about the electoral process, and logistical challenges, especially in rural areas. Additionally, many women lack access to national identity cards, which are necessary for voting, due to social constraints or limited awareness of the registration process.
In some regions, women are discouraged or even explicitly forbidden from voting due to traditional beliefs that see voting as a male responsibility. In extreme cases, local agreements between political or tribal leaders have barred women from voting, reflecting deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes. Political campaigns also tend to focus on male voters, leaving women with limited engagement and information on the issues at stake. Although there have been efforts to increase voter turnout among women through awareness campaigns and initiatives by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the gender gap in voting remains a concern, with women often underrepresented in voter turnout statistics.
Gender Issues in Women as Candidates:
Running for political office as a woman in Pakistan presents numerous challenges, including social stigma, financial barriers, and political discrimination. Cultural norms often discourage women from pursuing leadership roles, with many families and communities questioning the appropriateness of women seeking public office. As a result, women who do run for office may face scrutiny, harassment, and lack of support both from their families and the broader community.
Financial constraints are also a significant barrier. Political campaigns require considerable resources, and women often lack the same financial networks as men, making it difficult to fund their campaigns. Additionally, political parties may be reluctant to endorse female candidates, viewing them as less likely to succeed, which limits women’s representation on party tickets. Even when women are nominated, they are often assigned to contest in areas where their party has little support, diminishing their chances of success. These obstacles result in a limited number of women candidates, hindering gender diversity in political leadership.
Gender Issues in Women as Representatives:
Once elected, women representatives in Pakistan face numerous challenges in effectively participating in governance. Many female politicians report facing discrimination and marginalization within legislative bodies, where male colleagues often dominate discussions and decision-making processes. Women’s voices and perspectives are frequently undervalued, and they may be assigned to less influential committees or excluded from critical policy discussions. This marginalization limits their ability to represent their constituents fully and advocate for gender-sensitive policies.
Additionally, women representatives often face pressure to focus on “soft” issues, such as education and healthcare, rather than being allowed to contribute to areas like finance, defense, or foreign policy. This typecasting reinforces stereotypes and limits the scope of issues that women legislators can address. Furthermore, a lack of gender-sensitive facilities and environments within political institutions can create an unwelcoming atmosphere for women, further limiting their effectiveness. Despite these challenges, many female representatives work tirelessly to promote women’s rights and bring attention to issues that are often overlooked in male-dominated legislatures.
Impact of Political Quotas in Pakistan:
In Pakistan, political quotas for women were introduced to increase female representation in governance. These quotas reserve a certain percentage of seats for women in the National Assembly, provincial assemblies, and local government bodies. For instance, 17% of seats in the National Assembly and Senate are reserved for women, while similar quotas exist at the provincial and local levels. These measures have led to a notable increase in the number of women in legislative roles, which has allowed them to bring issues like women’s rights, healthcare, and education into the policy agenda.
The impact of political quotas has been mixed. On the positive side, quotas have created opportunities for women to enter politics and serve as role models, inspiring other women to participate in governance. They have also enabled women legislators to advocate for gender-sensitive laws, such as those addressing domestic violence, harassment, and inheritance rights. However, some critics argue that quotas alone are insufficient to achieve true gender equality, as they do not address the cultural and institutional barriers that limit women’s effectiveness as representatives. Additionally, because many women are appointed to reserved seats rather than elected directly, they may lack the same level of influence and autonomy as their male counterparts, and are often viewed as token representatives.
In summary, gender and governance in Pakistan reflect the complex interplay of cultural, social, and institutional factors that shape women’s political participation. While initiatives like political quotas have made strides in increasing female representation, much work remains to address the deeply rooted barriers that prevent women from fully participating as voters, candidates, and representatives. Achieving gender parity in governance will require not only policy changes but also a shift in cultural attitudes that embrace women’s contributions as essential to a fair and inclusive society.
