Gender Disparity & Women’s Political Empowerment In Pakistan: Opportunities, Challenges & Solutions

Abstract

Women empowerment and Gender equality are among the most widely known concerns at regional,
national and international forums. Many countries give this matter priority while formulating their public
policies. This study discourses the political perspective of gender equality that is rampant in Pakistan.
Pakistan is a patriarchal society. Women here face societal pressure, a discourteous atmosphere, neglect in
the decision-making process, etc. Political gender equality is one of the main concerns of a national policy
for the development of women. Women in Pakistan live by old traditions and customs that affect their
political participation. Musharraf’s government and their successors have taken important steps to give
them a voice and the right to decision-making and legislation. This paper sections on socio-political issues
in empowering women in politics. It analyzes the ideologies of political parties that act towards gender
inequality. The study concludes that gender inequality in the workplace, social status and lack of political
will are the main culprits of political inequality and gives solutions to these challenges.