Role of Women in Policymaking: A Review of Parliament of Pakistan after Increased Reserved Seats

Abstract

The proposition of women empowerment is multidimensional and frequently explained diversely. However, under-representation in politics is a recognized fact and need for gender parity and equality led the United Nations to recommend 30 percent seats foe women in legislatives. Pakistan was included in those countries where women’s representation was nominal and first two constitutions reserved only three percent seats in the assemblies whereas the constitution of 1973 reserved ten seats for women, which were doubled in 1985 by General Zia-ul-Huq, but this quota was lapsed in 1990 due to constitutional provision. Women were almost ousted from the assemblies as well as policymaking until General Musharraf revived and increased the reserved seats, allocating 17 percent in parliament and provincial assemblies, while 33 percent at local bodies. A significant number of women participated in 2002 elections and became part of policy-making. This development also raised Pakistan to the 58^th   position in the list of 102 countries, while it was on third position in GEM index from lower side in 1999. Here the question is about women’s role in policy making, either this increased number has equally enhanced women’s share in policymaking. Reviewing the existing literature and imperial facts, the study hypnotizes that numerical impact of gender quota on women's substantive representation in policy-making is not encouraging as traditional and cultural barriers have deprived them of their due share.