Women & Elections

Women & Elections

The National assembly of Pakistan in 2013 was the first one in the history of Pakistan, to complete its tenure of 5 years. What was special about this assembly is that the participation of women in parliament was surprising. Out of 53, 20 were the bills of private members that were moved by women during the regime of government. The women outperformed their male opposite number in terms of formal intercessions during parliamentary dealings.

In 2013 what we notice from media that the participation of women was outstanding in every matter and they put extra efforts to show how much they value in politics. Despite of the fact of efforts and value, the contesting women in general elections in 2013 were fewer than women participating in 2002. In 2002 the total number of women who participated in general elections was 38 and in 2013 the number of participating women was 36.

In Pakistan, more than half population is of women. But their role and representation in National assembly is not similar to these numbers. What I strongly believe is that women are much stronger than men and they have some more potential than men and they can do multitasking without even showing the amount of burden on them to others.

What we can do is to liberate women in a way that they have their basic rights. To vote and work is the basic right of every woman and to lessen the economic imbalance in the country it is necessary for every woman to work and to work for Pakistan. Although the role of women in 2013 elections was outstanding and the great amount of female voters voted in the last election. But the fact is that there are still 11 million eligible women who are not even registered to vote and they are very far away from their basic right. It is in the significance of all political parties in Pakistan to set free these potential women voters. The cooperative measures of women parliamentarians would go a long way in concentrating on the issues of the masses.

What women parliamentarians need is a little bit confidence to better their public appearance. In past we have seen women parliamentarians but most of them were shy and didn't participate fully in any meeting in their constituencies due to many reasons. Now the scenario is changing slowly and gradually. Women politicians are involved in social working and interacting more with public to buff up their skills of politics.

Election Commission of Pakistan officials publicized after the General Elections of 2013 that churn out for women voters was 44 per cent in May 11 elections and 11 female returning officers were selected. Nonetheless, there were some 500 polling stations where women’s attendance was zero. It will be sensible if a law is propagated which affirm the results of constituencies null and void where women are not allowed to vote.