Increasing Women's Political Participation in Baluchistan
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Photo courtesy of the Youth Association for Development
The Youth Association for Development (YAD), Quetta, Pakistan, has completed a transformative initiative titled "Women’s Participation in Elections, Politics, Leadership, Democracy in Pakistan". This project aims to enhance women's political participation in Quetta, Baluchistan, a region known for its male-dominated social and political landscape.
The project focuses on supporting women as voters, and candidates—as well as their collective voices—by intertwining their aspirations with artistic expressions and institutional reforms. Through creative outlets such as radio broadcasts, theater performances, and art exhibitions, the initiative seeks to amplify women's voices and foster greater engagement in democratic processes, particularly in the country’s 2024 elections.
What sets this project apart is its innovative use of artistic and cultural platforms to challenge societal norms and raise awareness about gender inequality in political participation. By organizing women through Women Empowerment and Political Participation Groups (WEPPGs) and Democracy Action Groups (DAGs) and engaging them in creative activities, the project brings women’s political issues to the forefront in non-traditional ways.
The inclusion of both men and women in dialogues on gender gaps and policy reform, alongside active collaboration with stakeholders like the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), provides a sustainable framework for increased women’s participation in leadership roles and electoral processes.
The project has achieved significant outcomes, including increased Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) registrations and voter enrollments, a rise in women candidates for the 2024 elections, and the formation of women’s support groups that will continue to influence future policies. The WEPPGs and DAGs have played a critical role in pushing for gender-inclusive reforms, resulting in the establishment of a NADRA registration center and simplified processes for women’s CNIC registrations. Furthermore, joint resolutions have led to tangible policy changes advocating for greater political representation of women, strengthening the impact of this project at both the regional and national levels.