History has been made! The local bodies’ elections held for the first time in three newly-merged districts of FATA showed a clear departure from traditional conduct of general polls as hundreds of women took part in the electoral process. The participation of over 550 women candidates in local government elections is an unprecedented phenomenon. The political awakening among women living in the most backward areas of the country can herald an era of progress and equality of human rights in a deeply patriarchal region.
In the past, it used to be the male only elections where women were forcibly barred from using their right to franchise. The illegal practice of barring women from voting during elections continued unchecked in several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the last many years under verbal and written agreements between political parties and local elders. Conservative tribal customs and threats from militants are the main reasons for this ‘ban’. It is very unfortunate that we are bogged down in an age where male chauvinism is still dominant. There should be a free environment for women voters. No person can be denied their right to vote, especially the womenfolk that comprise half the population of Pakistan. We need to do away with outdated, backward ideas. Women are part of society and they deserve equal rights and representation in every sector. Indeed, the latest interest shown by women in the elections will bring a positive change in society. A woman can better represent as she has better knowledge about women problems. Especially, in the education sector where a large number of females remain deprived of their right to education. Currently, female literacy in the tribal areas is about 12 percent, compared with over 50 percent in the rest of the country.
Moreover, the ECP should press contesting candidates to encourage women voters to come out of their homes and use their constitutional right. The ECP needs to remove complex formalities and create awareness about these elections.
