| Author | Ahmed, Aisha Maqsood |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-05-14 |
| Subject(s) | Women in politics--Pakistan
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. GD-05-14 |
| Abstract | There has been an unprecedented increase in women's representation in politics at both the national and local level in Pakistan. The present government of Pakistan as a part of its democratization process introduced it devolution of power plan 2000, in which 33% quota for women was reserved, at all three tiers of the local government. Not only have women entered at the local level but a dramatic increase in the number of women in the national level has also taken place by reserving 18 per cent seats for them in National Assembly and 17 per cent seats in Senate. This study focuses in detail on the increase of women's political representation in Pakistan through the "affirmative action" of introducing numeric quotas as a measure to ensure women's equal political representation with men. Although the quotas have led to a radical quantitative leap in the number of women but have they brought about qualitative change, that is actual empowerment of women in the parliament and has it led to integrating them in the policy and decision-making process is a fact that is worth determining. This study examines in detail all the factors constraining women in making their fullest contribution in the political process. It looks into the numerous social, cultural and religious factors restraining women. The low level of education, gender stereotyping and cultural norms have led to the prevalence of a perception which sees women only confined to the domestic tasks, incapable of understanding and having the capability to contribute in the political process. Gender biases, lack of expertise and knowledge of the political process, discrimination on coming on reserved seats are some of the factors constraining women. Despite all the constraining factors limiting women parliamentarian's just the fact that women have made it in such a large number in the political arena is the first step in the right direction leading to the empowerment and inclusion of women in the decision and policy making process. Women now have the chance to control and take charge of their own destiny. What measures can and are being taken to assist the women parliamentarian and what strategies are they themselves applying to over come all the factors constraining them is a question which needs to be further looked into and can be examined in future research endeavors. |
| Year | 2014 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GD-05-14 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Resurreccion, Babette; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Earth, Barbara;Zimmermann, Willi; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Japan; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2005 |