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.