When the
role of women is defined in a society that has partial democracy, then not only
women’s role is undermined, but that political setup needs to redefine their
policies towards the women’s status. In a patriarchal society like Pakistan,
the women’s role varies and is linked to the province they live in. Though
women have the potential to play a multi dimensional role from societal to
organizational setup, but their contribution is not that much valued and
cherished. In the name of various customs and rituals they are still deprived
of their legitimate right.
Women’s
political participation, their role as decision makers and voters has always
been supported by civil society organizations and women in politics. The basis
of women’s political participation has always been a state commitment at the
international level and considered as one of the main tools for gender
mainstreaming. The women legislators are playing a very active role on issues
of national concerns such as foreign policy, import, export, unemployment, environment
along with the crucial women’s issues. It is comparatively difficult to endorse
the role of women in a society which has a male dominated mindset, though still
working with the pressures and resistance shows the level of motivation women
have. Even Quaid-e-Azam believed in empowering women for the economic and
social growth of our country. He said:
“No
nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with
you; we are victims of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our
women are shut up within the four walls of house as prisoners”.
This is not
just a statement but a proven phenomenon. The focus of women on issues of
national concern has enhanced their acceptability within higher positions such
as Fehmida Mirza, Ms Shahla Raza as speakers of National Assembly and deputy
speaker of the Sindh National Assembly. Apart
from some prominent examples even today political parties do not have clear
policies and manifestos for women’s political role. They treat women with the
typical stereotypical approach that does not treat women with equal rights and
potential.
The next
question that arises here is what role can they play? Women’s role varies
according to economical, social, religious, political and legal aspect. With
the economic development around the globe, women in the west are more valued as
compared to women’s status in Pakistan. We can say the feudalistic, economical,
political and socialistic approach since the independence of Pakistan has not
only denied the advent of democracy in Pakistan, but even in some part of
Pakistan a woman can’t exercise her right to vote. Legally multiple pro-women
laws have been passed which were actively supported by women’s group. A women’s
representation is a must in political setup this is how the stereotypical
approaches can be reformed and women’s issues can be highlighted at the national
level. Various NGO’s for example Aurat Foundation can be considered as a great
example of highlighting the struggling women’s role in a society and is working
diligently for women empowerment. Such effort that is only be lead by women
can’t be overlooked. The exigency of the hour is to make sure the adequate
representation of women is essential in political as well as executive domain.
Women’s role needs to be recognized and quota for women and induction of women
in EC and others should be defined clearly. There is a need of structural
change in the present system of elections regarding the reserved seats for
women. Once their role is prioritized on a mainstream level, they can bring
improvement in Pakistan’s image at international level.
