WOMEN CONTRIBUTION IN PAKISTAN’S PARLIAMENT: A CASE OF LEGISLATOR’S CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES AND SOLUTIONS (2008-2018)

Abstract

Democracy in its full forms only be ensured when women have equal rights to participate in politics. Role of women in politics is an essential element for women empowerment around the globe. Many developed countries reached their desired destination through gender equality and progressive developing countries are also following same tracks. Role of women in Pakistani politics did not remain same as proportionate to population. Women had to face many barriers including social, economic and cultural barriers which kept women marginalized for political empowerment. In 2002, President Pervez Musharraf dictatorship rule vital decision were taken for women empowerment by allocating them specific quota in National Assembly. Women did not have enough chance to participate in politics during democratic governments. Although Pakistan had great women leaders as Prime Minister, Speaker of National Assembly and at other leading roles but such examples are exception. After legislation for women protection and women empowerment there is improvement in women protection and women empowerment situation but still there is a lot of need to do. In this article, data from secondary sources is consulted to understand the women participation in parliament from (2008-2018), exploring opportunities and challenges during parliamentary business. The suggestions are made to encourage and promote women empowerment through women participation in parliament