Democracy’s missing half
Source: The News Pakistan
The global movement for gender equality has driven change across many sectors, but political representation remains one of the most formidable challenges.
Although women make up nearly half of the world’s population, they are underrepresented in political offices, decision-making bodies, and leadership roles within political parties. This imbalance reflects more than cultural bias; it signals a gap in democratic governance.
Despite legislative measures globally and in countries like Pakistan to increase women’s political participation, a significant disparity persists between legal provisions and outcomes. Advancing gender equity in politics calls for a closer look at the structural barriers preventing women from fully participating in democratic processes, as well as a commitment to breaking down these obstacles.
Some regions have achieved promising progress. As of 2024, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reports that women hold 26.5 per cent of parliamentary seats globally. Rwanda’s legally mandated 30 per cent quota has resulted in women occupying 63.75 per cent of parliamentary seats, while Sweden’s ‘zipper system’ ensures men and women candidates alternate on electoral lists, yielding 47 per cent female representation in parliament.
Read here the full article published by The News Pakistan on 4 November 2024.
Image by The News Pakistan
The global movement for gender equality has driven change across many sectors, but political representation remains one of the most formidable challenges.
Although women make up nearly half of the world’s population, they are underrepresented in political offices, decision-making bodies, and leadership roles within political parties. This imbalance reflects more than cultural bias; it signals a gap in democratic governance.
Despite legislative measures globally and in countries like Pakistan to increase women’s political participation, a significant disparity persists between legal provisions and outcomes. Advancing gender equity in politics calls for a closer look at the structural barriers preventing women from fully participating in democratic processes, as well as a commitment to breaking down these obstacles.
Some regions have achieved promising progress. As of 2024, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reports that women hold 26.5 per cent of parliamentary seats globally. Rwanda’s legally mandated 30 per cent quota has resulted in women occupying 63.75 per cent of parliamentary seats, while Sweden’s ‘zipper system’ ensures men and women candidates alternate on electoral lists, yielding 47 per cent female representation in parliament.
Read here the full article published by The News Pakistan on 4 November 2024.
Image by The News Pakistan
