Women's Empowerment and Political Participation in Pakistan: Implications for SDG 5

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the link between the empowerment of women in Pakistan and their involvement in politics using Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) as an analytic tool; the goal of SDG 5 is to create equal opportunities between men and women regarding political participation and thus achieve equal rights for both genders in all spheres of life. The study also evaluates the benefits of women's political participation both to the development of democracy and the promotion of Pakistan as a nation-state with a positive international standing. A qualitative data analysis of historical and contemporary barriers preventing women from participating in politics (such as societal norms perpetuated by patriarchy, economic dependence, and exclusion from formal decision-making) was completed using secondary collection methods. The research policy framework used in this study identifies many areas where significant improvement can be made; however, many obstacles remain for women despite the constitutional protections provided. Digital activism has created greater awareness of the need for women to participate in politics, and pressure has been placed on countries by international agencies, resulting in some marginal gains made by women. The findings of this study support the claim that by empowering women politically, the stability of democracy will be enhanced and the image of Pakistan in the international community will benefit. The study also provides several recommendations, including: 1) stronger policies for women's political participation; 2) expanding educational reforms; and 3) increased institutional support for women's political participation