EMPOWERING CHANGE: WOMEN'S LEGISLATIVE JOURNEY IN PAKISTAN'S 12TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present research offers an in-depth investigation of women-led legislative efforts during Pakistan's 12th National Assembly, that ran from 2002 to 2007. It looks into how female legislators have influenced legislation, advanced gender equality, and empowered women. The study makes use of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, such as comparative analysis of legislative results, interviews with important stakeholders, and content analysis of parliamentary records. The results show that female legislators in the 12th National Assembly were crucial in promoting women's rights and tackling disparities in gender. They proposed a sizable number of proposals that addressed a range of topics, including gender-based violence, inheritance rights, access to schooling, and involvement in politics. There was an apparent increase in the number of legislative ideas suggested by women compared to prior assemblies, demonstrating the increased political engagement and empowerment of women. The study analyses the results of these projects while taking into account the elements that contributed to their success. It emphasizes the importance of institutional backing, cross-party coalitions, and successful advocacy tactics in assisting with legislation's passage into law and its implementation. The report also cites barriers that women legislators must overcome, such as social and cultural constraints, a lack of funding, and gender prejudices in the political system. Furthermore, the study evaluates how women-led legislation has affected gender equality and women's empowerment in Pakistan. It looks at shifting cultural perspectives, bettering women's access to the judiciary, and advancing gender-responsive policy. While there was advancement in several areas, there remained enduring obstacles and implementation gaps, which highlighted the need for more initiatives to achieve the effective implementation of women's rights. This research study concludes by emphasizing the substantial contribution made by female lawmakers to the advancement of gender equality through legislative efforts in Pakistan's 12th National Assembly. It focuses on the importance of increasing female representation in politics and offers recommendations on how to make women-led legislation more successful. The findings add to the body of knowledge on gender and politics in Pakistan and provide insightful guidance for academics, activists, and lawmakers pursuing gender equality and inclusive governance.