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Women's Empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A New Era for Politics?

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In an effort to improve their prospects in the next general elections, secular and religious political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have launched focused campaigns to win the support of women voters. This move is seen as a measure to facilitate women's empowerment in a province known for its tribal conservativeness and traditional society. The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) has also joined the fray, along with other major parties, establishing separate chapters for women members and enrolling thousands of women as party members.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) has established a separate women's wing, with around 100,000 females enrolled as basic members, after previously opposing women's participation in politics.
  • The party's female office-bearers have been given a separate office at the JUI provincial headquarters in Peshawar, where they conduct meetings and organize programs.
  • Former MPA Naeema Kishwar has been appointed convener of the women's wing, and training workshops for female workers are being held at the district level across the province to create political awareness among them.
  • The JUI-F provincial spokesman, Abdul Jalil Jan, has stated that there are no restrictions on women's participation in politics, and the party is now recognizing the role of women in politics.
  • The Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) has forced parties to bring females into practical politics, with 30% seats reserved for women in the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies.
  • The Awami National Party (ANP) has established a full-fledged wing for women, with the central president, Zahira Khattak, stating that the party may field a few women candidates on general seats in the next elections.
  • The ANP is not only encouraging women to take part in politics but is also educating them about their fundamental rights, with a notable increase in awareness among women in the province.

Statistics:

  • 100,000 females have been enrolled as basic members of the JUI-F women's wing.
  • The party has given a separate office to the female office-bearers at the JUI provincial headquarters in Peshawar.
  • The Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) has reserved 30% seats for women in the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies.
  • The number of women MNAs and MPAs from ANP has worked hard in their respective constituencies and will contest on general seats in the upcoming elections.

Sources:

  • unnamed sources, location not specified
  • Abdul Jalil Jan, JUI-F provincial spokesman
  • Naeema Kishwar, former MPA and convener of the JUI-F women's wing
  • M. Ilyas Khan, senior journalist in Islamabad
  • Zahira Khattak, central president of ANP women's wing

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