Inclusive Politics for Empowerment
Samreen K. Ghauri
Hyderabad: Women’s political participation in Pakistan has evolved over time, driven by national policies, international commitments, and grassroots activism.
Yet, for Indigenous, tribal, and shadow-cast women the most marginalized groups in the country meaningful participation in political processes remains a distant dream.
To ensure these women’s voices are heard, it’s not enough to simply focus on their rights; a comprehensive, systemic overhaul is needed to tackle the structural inequities and deep-rooted cultural barriers they face.
The Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) has laid the groundwork for advancing women’s political participation worldwide, and in Pakistan, it has sparked significant momentum in fostering gender inclusivity in governance.
However, the particular challenges faced by Indigenous women those from marginalized ethnic, tribal, and shadow-cast communities highlight the deep gaps that remain in this journey.
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These women, from communities such as the Brohi, Baloch, lower-caste Sindhi, Pashtun, Saraiki, Bahari, Mahgwar, Kachi, Bheel, and Kohli, face dual marginalization.
Not only are they women in a patriarchal society, but they also belong to communities already excluded from mainstream political and economic systems. This intersectionality severely limits their access to education, resources, and the platforms necessary for political engagement.
Traditional norms within Indigenous communities further restrict women’s public participation, confining them to domestic roles and limiting their visibility in leadership and decision-making spaces.
These cultural barriers are compounded by structural inequalities that hinder their access to political platforms and leadership opportunities.
Even with reserved seats for women in parliament and local councils, Indigenous women often remain sidelined in political processes, with mainstream political parties frequently selecting candidates from more dominant ethnic groups.
Despite these barriers, it is crucial to recognize that women’s political participation is a cornerstone of achieving gender equality and inclusive governance.
The BPfA has been transformative in many ways, but to realize its full potential in Pakistan, it must address the systemic and cultural barriers that continue to exclude Indigenous women.
Legislative reforms are a critical first step.This includes not only bolstering reserved seats but also ensuring women from Indigenous, tribal, and shadow-cast communities are actively supported and included in candidate selection processes by political parties.
This should be accompanied by electoral reforms that provide financial support, security measures, and capacity-building programs to empower women who wish to contest general seats.
Moreover, grassroots advocacy has been instrumental in challenging the status quo. Civil society organizations like the Shelter Participatory Organization (SPO) and Aurat Foundation have played a pivotal role in mobilizing women for political participation.
By training women leaders, raising awareness about political rights, and advocating for more inclusive policies, these organizations have empowered women to take on leadership roles within their communities and local governance.
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However, to build an inclusive political landscape, it is not enough to simply include women in political processes; we must also create safe spaces for them to lead without fear of harassment or violence.
Security concerns remain a significant barrier to women’s political participation, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Implementing stronger protections against harassment and ensuring the safety of women candidates will help build an environment where women can confidently take part in politics and governance.
The power of political education cannot be overstated. It is essential to equip women with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of political life.
With increased political literacy, women are better positioned to make informed decisions about family planning, governance, and community development, creating a ripple effect that benefits not only individual women but also their communities.
This type of empowerment has led to increased representation of women in local governance and decision-making forums, where they have been able to advocate for policies that address issues specific to their communities, such as land rights, education, and environmental justice.
But the journey does not end there. To achieve truly equitable political representation, Pakistan must dismantle the cultural and systemic barriers that limit Indigenous women’s participation.
This includes a concerted effort to mainstream gender within political parties, ensuring women have equitable representation in party leadership roles.
Additionally, ensuring that local government structures are inclusive and that women’s representation quotas are meaningfully implemented will provide further opportunities for women to engage in the political process.
It is essential that the government, political parties, civil society, and communities join forces to create a political environment where women especially those from Indigenous, tribal, and shadow-cast communities are not just included but are able to lead and influence the future of governance in Pakistan.
Only through these sustained and strategic efforts can we create a truly inclusive and representative political system, aligned with the transformative vision of the Beijing Platform for Action.
Indigenous and shadow-cast women in Pakistan are not just victims of exclusion they are untapped sources of strength and leadership. By empowering them politically, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, ensuring that Pakistan’s governance reflects the diverse voices and experiences of all its citizens.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
Samreen K. Ghauri is the Executive Director of the Shelter Participatory Organization (SPO) and a specialist in Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC). A founding member of several social initiatives, she is also an active climate activist from Hyderabad. You can reach her
