Women in Politics: From Symbolism to Real Empowerment in Pakistan.

Sara Maryam Khan

In any functioning democracy, fair and equal representation of all groups in society is essential for just and balanced governance. Women, who make up nearly half of Pakistan’s population, remain severely underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making roles. While Pakistan has taken steps to improve women’s participation through reserved seats and legal reforms, the country still faces significant challenges in ensuring substantive—not just symbolic—political representation for women. The lack of equal participation in politics undermines democratic values and hampers socio-economic development.

The importance of women’s representation in politics extends beyond numbers. Women bring unique perspectives and experiences to the policymaking table, especially on issues such as health care, education, family welfare, and gender-based violence. If a country wishes to progress, it must create political opportunities for women. A woman should not be confined to the home—she has the capability to lead. Every decision that affects the people of a nation must involve the participation of women. In Pakistan, where challenges like domestic violence, maternal health, and girls’ education are pressing, the presence of women in politics can lead to more effective and inclusive policies.

Even today, many women enter assemblies only through reserved quota seats but do not hold real power or respect. This will only change when girls believe in themselves, pursue education, and strive to move forward in fields like politics. The goal should not only be for women to become Prime Ministers, but to participate as decision-makers at all levels, proving that they are equal in every way.

Globally, as of 2025, women hold around 26% of seats in national parliaments—a slight improvement, but still far from equality. Countries like Rwanda, Cuba, and New Zealand have made remarkable progress. Rwanda, for instance, has over 60% female representation in parliament, setting an inspiring example. However, many South Asian and Middle Eastern countries still lag behind due to deep-rooted mindsets and exclusionary policies. Despite existing legal frameworks, many political systems continue to deny women meaningful inclusion. Global efforts like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) have helped, but progress remains uneven.

Despite growing awareness of the importance of women in politics, the challenges they face remain daunting—especially in patriarchal societies like Pakistan. Women are often discouraged from entering public life. Those who do face discrimination, harassment, and character assassination—both in person and online. Political parties frequently deny them strong constituencies and relegate them to reserved seats, excluding them from critical decision-making. Lack of education, political training, and family or community support further prevents women from breaking barriers. Without a shift in mindset and meaningful support for women at all levels, true equality will remain out of reach.

Yet, despite these challenges, progress has been made. Women in Pakistan were granted the right to vote as early as 1947—a significant milestone. Benazir Bhutto’s rise to Prime Minister was not only historic for Pakistan but also sent a powerful message to the world that women can lead at the highest levels. Women MNAs and MPAs have since introduced important legislation benefiting women, children, and families. NGOs and civil society organizations have also played a vital role by training, supporting, and empowering women to engage in political and civic life.

Still, political representation in Pakistan remains largely symbolic. Most women reach assemblies through quota seats and are often sidelined. Change will only come when women themselves rise to the challenge—through education, ambition, and resilience. Encouragingly, many young women today are becoming politically aware and using social media and civic platforms to raise their voices and demand change.

To truly empower women, Pakistan must go beyond tokenism. Political parties should be required to nominate female candidates on general seats and provide them with full campaign support. Electoral reforms must address barriers such as high nomination fees and political harassment. Public awareness campaigns should challenge harmful gender norms, while the media must portray women as capable leaders—not just symbolic figures. Mentorship, leadership training, and capacity-building programs are essential. Most importantly, women must be supported to take initiative and challenge the systems that exclude them.

Women’s political representation is not just about quotas or visibility—it is about rightful participation, voice, and agency. As long as women are denied real power, progress will remain superficial. The change starts when women believe in themselves and actively pursue roles in political leadership. The dream is not just to have women in parliament, but to see them shape the direction of the nation, proving they are second to none.

As Allama Iqbal said, “Wujood-e-zan se hai tasveer-e-kainat mein rang”—”It is the presence of women that adds color to the canvas of the universe.” And as Maya Angelou reminds us, “I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand.” Every woman carries with her the strength of generations and the power to shape the future.

The Writer is the Student of International Relations.