Pressure Groups as a Hurdle to Women’s Political Participation in Pakhtun Society

Abstract

There is widespread discrimination against women in the political system and with regard to their political empowerment. The harsh and strict traditions and practices of rural life generate significantly more suffering for rural women. This study was conducted in Wari, district Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to evaluate the role of pressure groups in the political rights of women. Primary data regarding the objectives of the study were collected from 205 participants. Moreover, the relationship between the dependent variable (women's political participation) and independent variable, (Pressure groups) was examined through a Chi-square statistic test.  It has been observed that Women's political participation has an inverse relation with pressure groups. The Pakhtun elders act as a pressure group against the rights of women, according to an investigation of the respondent's perspectives. The study concluded that starting developing general knowledge of women's rights and their contribution to national development by enlisting the help of political, religious, and social leaders to outlaw pressure group propaganda and promote women's involvement in political activities. putting into practice judicial rulings that election results should be canceled whenever there is evidence that women were not allowed to vote.