Harassment of Women in South Punjab Politics: Impacts and Strategies for Enhanced Leadership

Abstract

This study analyzes women's forms of harassment in politics within the broader context of South Punjab, Pakistan, looking at the consequences it has on their political careers and their life courses. It also addresses how women’s political leadership can be enhanced to improve governance and make better women leaders. The study also focuses on the impact of violence against women, especially in South Punjab, which acts as an obstacle toward women’s political participation. The goals of the study include exploring the phenomenon of harassment violence against women within the context of the mental violence it inflicts and, at the same time, proposing measures aimed at improving women’s political engagement. Data was collected from 20 women parliamentarians and political activists using a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the data indicated the women of South Punjab suffer from verbal and physical abuse as well as online abuse. Abuse leads to poor mental health and negatively impacts their political and social life. The study suggests the enhancement of anti-harassment laws, improvement of information campaigns on the existing legal frameworks, stronger women’s leadership development programs, and implementation of quota legislation. The above-mentioned steps would increase the willingness of women to engage in politics. This research particularly concerns policymakers.