Political Representation of Women in Parliament of Pakistan after Restoration and Increase in Gender Quotas (2002 to 2018)

Abstract

institutions has never been encouraging without gender specific reforms and rules. Efforts have been made since long to change their marginalized position in legislatures through gender quotas that have become a widely accepted mechanism for mainstreaming women in politics. Pakistan is listed in those countries, having women’s representation at the lowest ebb without gender quotas. The first constituent assembly of 1947had only two ladies and first two constitutions of 1956 and 1962 reserved only three percent quota in the parliament. The constitution of 1973 awarded ten seats to women for ten years, which were later doubled by General Zia-ul-Huq in 1985. After lapsing the constitutional provision in 1990, women were almost ousted from the assemblies and it was only in 2001, when General Musharraf revived and increased the reserved seats. This increased number has not conferred the equal political position and status to women. Despite the quantitative increase, qualitative change has not been visible, having four subsequent elections. The study is to explore the causes, which are impeding the path of women’s empowerment and effective role in the parliament. The study has concluded that women have to face traditional attitudes, despite having share in decision-making structure. The social status ascribes to them, realizes them of inferiority and inequality, which is result of various political, cultural and environmental barriers while equal status in politics requires a pro-gender approach with flexibility in political institutions.