Women’s Political Empowerment through Local Government in the Patriarchal Society of Pakistan: A Case Study of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

Abstract

This study examines women’s political empowerment through local government institutions in the patriarchal socio-cultural context of District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Despite constitutional provisions and a quota system that increased women’s representation in local bodies, their meaningful participation and influence remain limited. Using a quantitative research design, primary data were collected through structured questionnaires from educated respondents and interview schedules from uneducated respondents. The study explores the extent of women’s involvement in local governance, the structural and cultural barriers they face, and the role of local government institutions in facilitating or constraining their empowerment. The findings reveal that women’s participation in local politics is largely symbolic, constrained by low educational attainment, limited awareness of governance procedures, patriarchal norms, and minimal decision-making authority. Although reserved seats have enhanced women’s visibility, they have not translated into substantive political empowerment. The study concludes that without structural reforms, continuous civic education, and gender-sensitive institutional support, women’s political empowerment in District Bannu will remain largely superficial.