REPRESENTATION OF THE UNDERREPRESENTED: ANALYZING WOMEN’S ROLE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN DISTRICT ABBOTTABAD

Abstract

Women are largely underrepresented in the political process in Pakistan. Although women’s inclusion in local government is a significant step toward gender equality in Pakistan, various socio-economic and political challenges significantly hinder their active political participation. This study examines the role of women councilors in the local government and the challenges they face in actively participating in the local government system in district Abbottabad. Women’s role in local government is qualitatively assessed through two interrelated political activities, like control over utilization of development funds and decisions regarding community development programs such as infrastructure projects, street pavement, sanitation, health, and education. For the present study, ten women union councilors are purposefully selected from ten different union councils of Abbottabad district. The selected sample is heterogeneous, with councilors representing different socio-economic, ethnic, and political backgrounds. The study findings reveal that women councilors face many challenges in getting development funds. Thus, they largely remain inactive when it comes to their practical role in the development works. Furthermore, their limited access to development funds significantly hampers development programs, especially those related to women. The study shows that although women are present in the decision-making process, they are rarely considered; thus, they have less influence on community development projects. The study suggests that if women are given equal chances of participation, their role in local governance and decision-making can bring equitable and sustainable local-level development.