Why does the world need more women involved in all aspects of the political process from grass root to higher policy making forums?
Let’s find the answer through in analyzing of obvious situation around.
Since the beginning of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there’s been a lot of media attention paid to the relationship between female leaders at the helm of various nations and the effectiveness of their handling of the COVID-19 crisis. The actions of female leaders in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Taiwan and New Zealand are cited as supporting evidence that women are managing the crisis better than their male counterparts. Resilience, pragmatism, benevolence, trust in collective common sense, mutual aid and humility are mentioned as common features of the success of these women leaders. I mean the women in power to political leadership role!
The full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong, vibrant democracies. Accordingly, the meaningful participation of women in national, local and community leadership roles has become an important focus of global development policy. It is indeed a matter of choice if women become political leaders, elected policymakers or civil society activists it will results in tangible gains for democracy, including greater responsiveness to citizen needs, increased cooperation across party and ethnic lines, and more sustainable peace.
Research shows that women’s leadership and conflict resolution styles embody democratic ideals and that women tend to work in a less hierarchical, more participatory and more collaborative way than male colleagues. Women are also more likely to work across party lines, even in highly partisan environments.
Women are deeply committed to peace building and post-conflict reconstruction and have a unique and powerful perspective to bring to the negotiating table. Women suffer disproportionately during armed conflict and often advocate most strongly for stabilization, reconstruction and the prevention of further conflict. Moreover, research shows that women’s engagement in the transitional processes and post-conflict governments can “increase the legitimacy of nascent institutions, decrease government corruption, broaden the political agenda, promote consultative policymaking and encourage collaboration across ideological lines and social sectors.
Unfortunately for Pakistani women, they did not get an equal role in political life and enough participation, It is need of juncture that more women should also be encouraged to contest general seats, If we want meaningful participation from women in politics, then parties should nominate outspoken women for reserved seats rather than those who only sing their organizations’ praises.
We are stuck in a male dominated society, but still women’s participation in politics is increasing, Still, creating more space for women in leadership and politics is a long process, we have to teach our children the core values of democracy so that they learn to respect the rights of women and other marginalized groups.
According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2020, Pakistan is the third worst country in the world for gender equality, ranked 151st out of 153 countries studied, to address the situation women’s Political participation will ensure by strengthen the capacities of women in all cadre in participation electoral processes, national and provisional legal frameworks and voter registration.
The pandemic has triggered a shock to political systems, shrinking the space for broader political engagement, with women even less likely to be included than before.
Women’s increased use of online spaces has been noticeable in the COVID context. The digital revolution continues to have the potential to make politics and mobilizing much easier, safer, and cheaper for women and other marginalized groups. There should be a greater ability to speak in your own voice and reach more people.
we have to take actions that make politics more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for women and keep exploring what kind of initiatives are helping empower women in politics, and what more is needed?
About Samreen Khan Ghauri:
She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, political worker & social activist. She can be access on samreenkghauri@gmail.com and @Samreen_Ideas
