Search for Common Ground Pakistan on Wednesday launched its latest report titled “Strengthening Women’s Political Participation and Leadership for Effective Democratic Governance in Pakistan: A Baseline Research Study”.
The study conducted in partnership with the Institute of Cultural & Social Studies, University of Punjab, was part of SFCG’s national program “Women’s Initiative for Learning and Leadership (WILL): Strengthening Women’s Political Participation and Leadership for Effective Democratic Governance in Pakistan” seeks to identify strengths and challenges related to role of women parliamentarians in the democratic politics and governance of Pakistan. Ammara Durrani, Executive Director, SFCG Pakistan moderated the proceedings.
Presenting findings of the study, Professor Dr Zakriya Zakar, Director, Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, University of Punjab said that women political leaders are competent and possess reasonable level of knowledge for making legislation but they are less popular choice of political leaders as well as the voters.
Identifying political family background was a significant determinant of women’s ability to run for election, he added that “Deep-rooted gender inequality was a significant factor inhibiting women politicians from equal political participation.”
Dr Zakriya also cited key recommendations of the report such as assigning leadership roles to women leaders within political parties, allocation of increased seats to women on general seats, electoral and legislative reforms to provide level playing field to women.