Pakistan Election Suggests Women Playing A New Role In Public Life

By Saman Rizwan

In Pakistan, as in corporate boardrooms around the country women are often absent. In recent years this has changed at a glacial pace. Pakistan’s Diva magazine profiled a handful of prominent female CEOs in a 2020 article. A list of famous female CEOS in the country would largely remain the same today.

Their accomplishments are all the more suprisinging given the low rates of female participation in the workforce. Pakistan’s female labor force participation is low by global standards. Perhaps as low as 20% however World Bank figures place it even lower.

This is miniscule. The number of talented women translates to a 60% potential GDP increase. A signifigant figure. In Pakistan women’s involvement in corporate life and the business sector is often driven by political trends.

During the brief period in which Pakistan had a female head of state there was indeed a small uptick in female participation in the labor force.

As Pakistan geared up for its 2024 general election, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air—a democratic exercise that not only symbolized the essence of Pakistan’s political ethos but also served as a testament to the growing empowerment of women in the country’s political landscape.

Against the backdrop of this pivotal election, one of the most striking phenomena was the increased participation of women in the electoral process. Across the country, women stepped forward to assert their political agency this small trend could have lasting economic consequences.

The 2024 election saw more women than ever before contested for seats in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies, representing a diverse array of political parties and ideologies. From urban centers to rural villages, women candidates campaigned tirelessly, mobilized support, and articulated their visions for a better Pakistan. With few economic positions open for some women, political life offers a way to play a leadership role. Women in Pakistan participate in the lower elected leves of government at a greater rate in Pakistan than in India a trend this reinforced.

The significance of women’s participation in the 2024 election could not be overstated. It reflected a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards women’s role in politics—a shift towards recognizing women as equal stakeholders in shaping the nation’s future. This growing acceptance of women in politics was a testament to the tireless advocacy efforts of grassroots movements, civil society organizations, and progressive leaders who had worked tirelessly to challenge gender norms and expand the political space for women.

Moreover, the 2024 election was not just about increasing the number of women candidates on the ballot; it was also about ensuring that women’s voices were heard and their concerns were addressed in the political discourse. Women candidates championed issues that resonated deeply with women across the country, including gender-based violence, access to education and healthcare, economic empowerment, and women’s rights. By placing these issues at the forefront of the electoral agenda, women candidates reshaped the political narrative. Again, women’s political participation remains low — it is the overall trend which offers some promise.

Despite the progress made, challenges persisted in achieving full gender parity in Pakistani politics. Women candidates continued to face various obstacles, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to resources and political networks. Additionally, deep-rooted cultural and societal norms continued to hinder women’s participation in politics. This election saw increased physical security which is one reason that women were able to particpate in a greater way. Studies have shown in countries with high levels of poltiical violence there is often a corresponding drop in the role of women in political life.

As Pakistan navigated the complexities of the 2024 election, it was imperative to build on the momentum of women’s increasing political engagement and address the systemic barriers that hindered women’s full participation in politics. Political parties had to adopt inclusive nomination processes, provide support and resources to women candidates, and actively promote women’s leadership within their ranks. Electoral reforms have removed some structural barriers and promote gender-sensitive electoral practices.

The path ahead is a difficult one maybe difficult but, the trend line is in the right direction. It is time for Pakistani policymakers and CEOs to realize that greater oppurtunities for women is in the long-term benefit of the country’s economy and economic resilency.