Factors shaping women’s political participation in Pakistani society: an in-depth exploration

This comprehensive qualitative study explores the intricate factors which shaped the pathways for women and how the nature of these factors changes depending on the pathway women choose for entering parliamentary roles in Pakistan. These pathways are based on the resources women have at hand. It underscores the profound influence of family lineage, sociocultural dynamics and institutional structures in women’s political engagement. This study highlights the patriarchal nature of Pakistani politics, emphasizing the need for strong social standing and political lineage to navigate entrenched cultural barriers. It reveals the ongoing struggles women face in balancing family responsibilities with professional commitments, exacerbated by societal scrutiny of women in politics. Unique to this research is the documentation of personal narratives from female legislators and a comparative analysis of the obstacles they faced depending on which entryway they opted for. The study also investigates the pivotal role of community and peer support in shaping their political aspirations. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study involves in-depth interviews with 20 female parliamentarians. The findings offer valuable insights into the factors influencing women’s participation in Pakistan’s formal politics, contributing significantly to the discourse on women’s political involvement.