Women Empowerment and Local Government Reforms in Pakistan: A Study of Devolution of Power Plan

Abstract

Devolution of Power Plan, which was implemented by General Musharraf, had as its primary goal the empowerment and inclusion of the underprivileged sections of Pakistani society. This new system of local government, introduced a 33 percent quota for women. This article aims to examine the role of women in this local government system. It is critical to determine whether implementing a gender quota is sufficient for women’s empowerment at grassroots’ level. This study discovered that, while this system provided a new avenue for women to engage in politics at the grassroots level, their participation and representation remained unequal and uncertain. It is believed that such legislative and administrative reforms would be ineffective if they did not involve a shift in cultural norms and organizational structures.