As Pakistan gears up for the 2024 general elections, the southern province of Sindh is witnessing a unique political narrative that challenges traditional norms. In a region where class, wealth, and feudal backgrounds typically dictate political success, a courageous wave of change is emerging, led by candidates like Sindhoo Nawaz Ghanghro.
Hailing from a modest background and recognised as a social media activist, Ghanghro is boldly stepping into the political arena, vying for a provincial assembly seat in the upcoming elections. Despite being aware of the challenges she'll face – financial constraints, character defamation, and threats, especially in feudal strongholds – Ghanghro remains undeterred.
In Sindh, political dynasties have long dominated, with entrenched candidates consistently winning in key constituencies. For women in such situations, daily life is marked by limitations on freedom and autonomy, restricting their choices in various aspects of life.
Ghanghro's decision to run for office is a courageous attempt to dismantle these deeply rooted power structures. By participating in the election, she seeks to challenge the authority of established elites, advocating for a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
However, the journey is far from easy. Prominent male politicians and political parties are actively campaigning against Ghanghro, exploiting her humble background and lack of financial resources. Derogatory remarks and character assassination attempts are part of the tactics employed against her.
Undeterred, Ghanghro remains resolute in her mission to confront oppressive forces within a male-dominated and feudal society. Her determination to contest the elections reflects a commitment to challenging societal evils that hinder the empowerment of women.
The broader landscape of the upcoming elections in Sindh involves 47 political parties fielding a total of 4,110 candidates for general seats in the national and provincial assembly. However, women's representation remains disproportionately low, with less than 10% of national assembly candidates and less than 5% of provincial assembly candidates being female.
Human and women's rights activists express dissatisfaction with major political parties prioritising male candidates over females, despite legal obligations to allocate at least 5% of candidates to women. The allocation of female candidates to less competitive constituencies is seen as a strategy to fulfill the legal requirement while preserving the status quo.
Mehnaz-ur-Rehman, a women's rights activist, highlights the financial barriers faced by female candidates from middle-class or low-income families. The substantial funds required for election campaigns, averaging around 10 million rupees per constituency, make it challenging for independent female candidates to compete.
Rehman proposes giving preference to female parliamentarians with experience on reserve seats when contesting general seats, citing their recognition and income during parliamentary tenure. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) emphasises the importance of equal participation for women and men in the democratic process, echoing the legacy of Benazir Bhutto in advocating for women's empowerment and human rights.
Despite the challenges, hope remains for the emergence of influential voices in parliament. Ensuring free and fair elections is crucial to creating an environment where strong voices, particularly those advocating for women's rights, can continue to make a significant impact. Nida from HRCP underscores the necessity of preserving the spirit of democracy for the empowerment of women, building on the legacy of leaders like Benazir Bhutto.