The importance of political empowerment, political participation and mobilization of women in the Democratic Government are much realized in the world and in Pakistan. Women are more than 50% part of the Pakistan’s population that is not being utilized in the national development due to social norms, their low skill, less education and less empowerment in the arena of politics. Any democratic system cannot be successful with just 50% of the population while the other 50% is marginalized.
The traditional norms about women's activities as noted by different theorists have been remained generation to generation unquestioningly. The general statement in Pakistan is that the political activities belong to the "Public Sphere" and women by nature belong to the “Private Sphere” and “Politics” is something unfamiliar to their nature.
This study will explore the underlying restrictions which have hampered the growth of equal opportunities for women to play their role as an active agent of society.
Table of Contents
Introduction
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OFWOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT AND PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN PALIAMENT 2002-2013
Election 2013
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This study explores the underlying structural, social, and cultural restrictions that have hampered the political empowerment and participation of women in Pakistan. By analyzing legislative measures and electoral data from 2000 to 2013, the paper aims to highlight the barriers to gender equality in decision-making processes and evaluate the effectiveness of quota systems in fostering political mobilization.
- The impact of social norms and patriarchal structures on women's political agency.
- Evaluation of quota systems and reserved seats in the Parliament of Pakistan.
- Analysis of women's representation in the 2002, 2008, and 2013 general elections.
- The relationship between economic empowerment and political participation.
- Challenges to the democratization of political parties and women's access to leadership.
Excerpt from the Book
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OFWOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Empowerment is defined as a “social action process that promotes participation of people, organizations, and communities in gaining control over their lives in their community and larger societies. With this perspective, empowerment is not characterized as an achieving power to dominate others, but rather power to act with others to affect change”. (Stein, 1997, p. 7) This is observed that women are being taken as secondary to men in their social role by many of the philosophers. “Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Rousseau and many others used different arguments to arrive at the common conclusion that politics is essentially a male prerogative and women are not physically or mentally fit to participate in politics on equal terms with men”. (Barro, p. 2)
Women's empowerment is a multifaceted and evolving concept that is continually being defined re defined, elaborated, sharpened and clarified. It is deeply interred linked with gender equality and equity which appear to be the ultimate goals of women's empowerment. It has been associated with the structural transformation of society through land and labor reforms, educational opportunities access to resources, autonomy, the right to access to resources, autonomy, the right to women's own control over their bodies, sexuality and reproduction. It is a soft concept which can signify different things in varying and multiple contexts: thus it eludes a clear and concise definition.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the contextual background of women's status in Pakistan and introduces the necessity of political quotas as a temporary measure to overcome historical barriers.
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OFWOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: Discusses the conceptual definitions of empowerment and analyzes how traditional philosophies have historically marginalized women from the political sphere.
POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT AND PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN PALIAMENT 2002-2013: Examines specific legislative reforms and the impact of the Musharraf regime on increasing reserved seats for women in various councils.
Election 2013: Analyzes the electoral data from 2013, highlighting the significant increase in women candidates and voter turnout compared to previous general elections.
Conclusion: Summarizes that inclusive decision-making is essential for democratic progress and calls for the removal of structural prejudices against women in politics.
Keywords
Political participation, Empowerment, Political Mobilization, Patriarchal Society, Social Norms, customs, social laws, Low level of socio economic indicators, Pakistan, Gender equality, Legislative quotas, Decision-making, Women's rights, Democracy, Political representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work examines the political empowerment and participation of women in Pakistan between 2000 and 2013, specifically analyzing the obstacles and legislative advancements regarding gender equality in the political process.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the role of social and patriarchal norms, the implementation and effect of political quotas, the influence of economic status on political agency, and the evolution of women's representation in national and provincial assemblies.
What is the main research objective?
The primary goal is to highlight the importance of women's representation in decision-making and identify the underlying causes for the lack of equal opportunities for women in Pakistani politics.
Which methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a descriptive and analytical methodology, drawing upon both primary and secondary data sources, including statistical evidence and reports from national and international organizations.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body covers the theoretical definitions of empowerment, the historical and structural barriers to women's political involvement, and a detailed review of electoral participation data from the 2002, 2008, and 2013 elections.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The study is characterized by terms such as Political Participation, Empowerment, Patriarchal Society, Social Norms, Legislative Quotas, and Democratization.
How effective were the quota systems mentioned in the study?
The study suggests that while quotas increased the numbers of women in legislatures, they often acted as a symbolic measure rather than a complete solution, as women still face significant barriers to real decision-making power.
What significance does the 2013 election hold in this analysis?
The 2013 election is significant because it showed a sharp, quantifiable increase in the number of women standing as candidates for general seats, indicating a growing political interest and mobilization compared to 2008.
What is the author's stance on current political representation?
The author argues that while there has been progress in numbers, the lack of women in senior decision-making and ministerial positions highlights a persistent prejudice and unwillingness of political parties to fully empower women.
- Quote paper
- Akram Zaheer (Author), Shafqat Jabeen (Author), 2014, Political empowerment of women and their participation in legislation. A case study of Pakistan 2000-2013, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/341908
