Empowering women's political participation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Source: The Friday Times
“If you want to know how civilized a culture is, look at how they treat its women.” - Bacha Khan
In the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a region brimming with resilience and potential, there exists a stark reality that impedes its progress: the underrepresentation of women in the political sphere. This disparity not only stifles the voices of half the population but also hampers the region's socio-economic development.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse populace, has long grappled with socio-political challenges. Yet, amidst the rugged landscapes and bustling bazaars lies an untapped resource – the potential of its women. However, entrenched patriarchal norms, compounded by societal taboos and systemic barriers, conspire to marginalize women from participating meaningfully in the political process.
At the core of this issue lies the lack of representation in decision-making bodies. Women, comprising approximately half of the population, are grossly underrepresented in legislative assemblies and local councils. This dearth of female voices perpetuates a cycle of neglect, as policies and initiatives fail to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in the region.
Read here the full article published by The Friday Times on 20 May 2024.
Image by The Friday Times
“If you want to know how civilized a culture is, look at how they treat its women.” - Bacha Khan
In the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a region brimming with resilience and potential, there exists a stark reality that impedes its progress: the underrepresentation of women in the political sphere. This disparity not only stifles the voices of half the population but also hampers the region's socio-economic development.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse populace, has long grappled with socio-political challenges. Yet, amidst the rugged landscapes and bustling bazaars lies an untapped resource – the potential of its women. However, entrenched patriarchal norms, compounded by societal taboos and systemic barriers, conspire to marginalize women from participating meaningfully in the political process.
At the core of this issue lies the lack of representation in decision-making bodies. Women, comprising approximately half of the population, are grossly underrepresented in legislative assemblies and local councils. This dearth of female voices perpetuates a cycle of neglect, as policies and initiatives fail to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in the region.
Read here the full article published by The Friday Times on 20 May 2024.
Image by The Friday Times