Female Illiteracy and Political Participation: Pakhtun women at crossroad of culture, religion, and democracy

Abstract

Men and women have similar rights as humans and as citizens. However, significant differences have been observed in the socio-political systems of societies by adjusting both the genders. This research article focused to see the impact of education on women’s political participation. A sample of 320 women local body councilors was selected for data collection through proportional allocation method in seven districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Questionnaire was used for data collection and data analyses were done through SPSS 20 for univariate and bivariate analyses through Chi-square (χ2) Test at 0.05 confidence level. The findings of this study revealed that mass illiteracy limits women to domestic chores and lessens their interest in public spheres, decreases economic opportunities and also increases their dependency. Similarly, illiteracy leads to lack of awareness regarding their constitutional and Islamic rights, and create difficulty to access mass media. Similarly, the socio-cultural and religious obligations prevailed in Pakhtun society limit women access to participate in civic activities and to run a public office. To improve women’s status in society, education is important on the primary and higher level. This study recommends the role of mass media, religious scholars to pinpoint the role of women in society in a better way. The government shall promulgate suitable policies to efficiently equip women to participate in the political process of Islamic Democratic System.