Assessing the Barriers: An Investigation into Low Participation of Women in Politics and Voting Behaviour in District Chitral, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study investigates the barriers of the low participation of women in politics and the voting behaviour of women in District Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The data were collected in District Lower Chitral from February 2019 to March 2019. A total of 30 sample sizes were chosen from the research area. Moreover, a simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Furthermore, the researcher developed a self-administered tool for the collection of data. The data were analysed and presented in descriptive statistics. The result shows that most of the respondents believed that she cast their votes on their husband's priority. The study also shows that 40% of females are getting more interest in politics but due to their values and lack of education, they are unable to participate in politics actively. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents agreed on the view that a female can also utilise their abilities and capabilities and demonstrate the country if she is allowed to represent herself. The study also found that the problems which are faced by females while taking part in politics, they should not be given equal status and there is a big gap between men and women and also the reason that political parties are not giving opportunity to common people. The study recommends that the government should be aware the female about their political rights and empower women to overcome the obstacles which prevent them from practical politics.