An Appraisal of Women Participation in Electoral Politics in District Swabi OF Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The participation of women in electoral politics is important for strengthening democracy in a country. In a democratic and developing country like Pakistan, some factors hinder women's participation in electoral politics. The paper deals with those factors that affect women's participation in electoral politics in Pakistan. In spatial and temporal context regarding Pakistan, this research focuses on women's participation in the general elections in district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan in the 21^st Century. This study aims to identify factors determining women's involvement and impact in electoral politics in the Pakhtun community. It employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analysis.  The research highlights that socio-cultural factors, economic dependency, religious ignorance, lack of political awareness, inaccessibility to polling stations and lack of computerized National Identity Cards are some factors that impede women's participation in electoral politics in district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.