WOMEN IN POLITICS: CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES FOR GENDER MAINSTREAMING IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP), PAKISTAN

Abstract

Gender inequality in politics is a dilemma in third world particularly South Asian countries. Despite of strong legal frameworks in Pakistan gender disparities are still evident in pubic spheres. There is dearth of research on how these frameworks are working in Pakistan in terms of rescuing these gender inequalities in politics, this study presents a critical analysis of legal frameworks to empower women politically in KP. This study generates a comparative analysis of women descriptive and substantive political representation in KP. This study followed qualitative approach i.e. semi structured interviews were conducted from men and women politicians and constituents. The study found that despite the reduced gender gaps in descriptive representation, gender disparities are still evident in substantive political representation in KP and Peshawar. The actual participation of women on decision making positions is still low in KP’s politics. Even after the recent Election Act 2017 could not contribute to real political empowerment of women in KP. The study concludes that these legal frameworks could not let alone empower women politically in KP without streamlining other enabling and disabling factors.