Political parties in Balochistan must provide leadership opportunities to women and ensure their active participation. Experts voiced these concerns at a seminar titled Democracy and Women’s Political Participation on the Basis of Equality. Health and Rural Development (HARD) Balochistan organized the event, bringing together political analysts, legal experts, and journalists.
Women Deserve Equal Representation
Speakers emphasized that women must secure key roles in politics, education, and society. They stated that women politicians should demand their rights within their parties. Rozina Khan, a speaker at the event, stressed the need to “see women as human beings” first before discussing empowerment. She pointed out that history is filled with women who have led with courage.
Balochistan Women Are Ready to Lead
Gul Khan Naseer Baloch acknowledged that women in Balochistan are now educated and aware. He noted that colleges and private schools have opened in remote areas, providing greater access to education. With a 33 percent reserved quota, women have entered politics and are contributing to political parties.
Women Lawmakers Must Speak Up
Despite their growing presence, many women lawmakers remain silent in assemblies, Gul stated. He urged female politicians to use their platform to address critical issues. He cited Dr. Mahrang Baloch as an example, calling her a symbol of resilience. She has emerged as a leader after years of struggle and is now raising her voice for women’s rights.
Call for Awareness and Accountability
Speakers stressed the importance of creating awareness about democracy and women’s political participation. They urged stakeholders to engage in discussions that promote gender equality in leadership. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Senior Vice President Zafar Baloch called for accountability in conversations about women’s education, health, and basic rights.
Regulating Social Media Discussions
Zafar Baloch also highlighted the role of social media in shaping public opinion. He noted that, while it has brought positive change, it has also spread misinformation. Many countries have established laws to regulate online platforms, but Pakistan has yet to implement effective measures. He urged responsible reporting and fact-checking before publishing information.
Women’s Political Engagement is Crucial
The seminar underscored that political parties must take responsibility for ensuring women’s active participation. The experts agreed that empowering women in politics will lead to a stronger democratic system. With proper leadership roles, women can contribute to meaningful policy changes and social progress.
The discussion concluded with a collective call for action. Leaders must work toward creating an inclusive political environment where women are not just participants but decision-makers.
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