Level of Women’s Political Empowerment in Local Government System: A Study of Female Counselors in District Sargodha
Abstract
The current study is designed to examine the level of political empowerment of female councilors. Interview schedule was used as an instrument to collect data. A sample of 200 respondents was taken by Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling. Results indicated that half of the respondents were illiterate and belong to the poor families. Massive majority of women councilors were affiliated with PMLN and had no self-interest to participate in local government election but they participated due to the pressure of landlord, influential persons of community and their family. Large portion of councilors had no agenda or future plans for the women of their community. They were unaware regarding the decision making powers and responsibilities of local government institutions as given by Local Government Act, 2013. Study revealed that literacy and political background was significantly associated with women empowerment. Hence there should be trainings programs to create awareness about their roles and responsibilities to enhance their political empowerment.
Authors
Dr. Aaqib Shahzad Alvi
Lecturer, Department of Social Work, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
Rana Imran Ahmed
Lecturer, Department of Social Work, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
Ayesha Ahmad
Lecturer, Department of Social Work, Govt. Degree College for Women, Joharabad, Pakistan
Keywords
Women Councilors Political Empowerment; Local Government