Female Participation in Education and Representation in Politics in Sindh, Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62997/psi.2025a-41044Keywords:
Female Participation , Political Representation, Gender Disparities, Sindh, Pakistan, Patriarchy, Women's Empowerment, Rural-Urban Divide, Socio-Economic Barriers, Gender Quotas, Policy ReformsAbstract
Sindh, in Pakistan, and indeed, everywhere, has continuously faced gender-based inequality in educational and political circles. Though provisions like Article 25A make a constitutional guarantee for free education to all, with a 33% quota of representation for women, the level of participation is extremely low. Research will investigate and analyze socio-economic and cultural obstacles towards women's accessibility to education and political leadership comparing the urban-rural disparities. Drawing from qualitative data based on semi-structured interviews with women councilors, educators, and activists in ten districts, the study established a direct relationship between female literacy and political participation. The findings indicate that urban locations perform better than rural areas on both education and political participation, though patriarchal norms, economic dependence, and socio-political marginalization continue to constrain women's leadership roles. To overcome these challenges, Sindh needs three strategic interventions: (1) investment in the infrastructure of female education, (2) legislative reforms to ensure genuine female political representation, and (3) programs to challenge traditional gender norms. Overcoming structural inequalities is a sine qua non for fostering a society where women can meaningfully contribute to governance and socio-economic development.
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