Women’s Political Participation in Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis of Barriers, Challenges, and Opportunities in the General Elections of 2018 and 2024

Abstract

This research investigates women's involvement in Pakistan's political sphere, offering a comparative analysis of their participation, the barriers they face, the challenges encountered, and the opportunities available during the general elections of 2018 and 2024. The study underscores the changing dynamics of female political engagement, critically examining the structural impediments that hinder their participation while exploring avenues for improved representation and empowerment in upcoming electoral frameworks. In the general elections of 2018, women held 20.5% of seats in the National Assembly of Pakistan, showing a modest development of women's participation in politics with 46.89% women voter turnout, but still, not a satisfactory level of participation. In the 2024 general elections in Pakistan, women's participation was lower than in the 2018 GE, as female voter turnout remained at 42.6%. This study answers why the turnout of women always remains low in GE. Women must be appreciated and encouraged by civil society, media and political parties to increase women's participation in politics and enhance the democratic process. An institutional program or initiatives to increase political awareness among women must be started. Political parties and governmental institutions must proactively cultivate more inclusive and welcoming environments for women to counteract the discouraging perception of male-dominated political arenas. This research attempts to analyze the barriers and Challenges that hinder women's political participation through descriptive-analytical research methodology.