WOMEN IN PAKISTAN: HISTORICAL PROBLEMS OF PARTICIPATION IN LEGISLATION

Abstract

Women have historically been an integral part of decision making in politics in South Asia, and throughout the formative years of Pakistan's history, from 1947 onwards. Despite this, the representation of women in the political arenas has been abysmal. This paper aims to look at the participation of women historically in Pakistan, and understand the problems that are hampering the progress of women representatives in the legislative assemblies of Pakistan. This problem can be broken down into two parts, i.e. the marginalization of women in society, reflected in the low literacy rate for women, and the lack of interest of political leaders in increasing women's participation in the politics.