ith general elections on the horizon, a momentous transformation is unfolding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as women from minority communities are not only striving to exercise their voting rights but also emerging as candidates and addressing gender-specific issues in their communities. A series of awareness sessions and registration camps, supported by various organisations and the National Database and Registration Authority, have been instrumental in fostering this burgeoning political awakening. In collaboration with the Election Commission, the Blue Vines Organisation orchestrated seven impactful awareness sessions in Peshawar. These sessions succeeded in attracting females from diverse minority communities, where a shared aspiration for political representation took root.

Shehla Bibi has submitted her application to the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf for candidacy on a seat reserved for minority citizens from Peshawar. Notably, she could become the first female representative from the Christian community to participate in an election for a reserved seat in Peshawar. Aged 35 and hailing from Kohati Gate in Peshawar, Shehla is not only an active member of the PTI but also a councilor in her constituency, boasting a previous electoral victory against formidable male candidates.

Shehla Bibi’s landmark candidacy is part of a broader trend. Around 15 candidates from various political parties, all belonging to minority communities, converged in an awareness session organised by the Blue Vines Organisation in Peshawar on December 20. The gathering was marked by participants expressing not only a desire to exercise their voting rights but also articulate a shared ambition to participate as candidates and addressing gender-specific issues.

Bibi emphasises the profound significance of the elections, asserting that the potential emergence of minority women as candidates has brought a dimension to the political discourse.

No women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have ever been elected to a provincial or national assembly seat reserved for minorities. In the local government election held in December 2021 in 17 districts of KP, 2,382 seats were reserved for women. There were 1,458 candidates, all of them were became part of the district council electoral college. In the 17 districts, there were only four women candidates from minority communities. All of them were declared successful. One of these women was from Peshawar, two from Charsadda and one from Kohat.

The participation of minority women in the electoral process is crucial for cultivating a diverse and representative democracy. The willingness of these women to contest elections signifies their commitment to being catalysts for change within their communities. They are addressing both gender-specific and broader societal challenges faced by the minority groups.

Sawera Parkash from the Hindu community of Mansehra district has submitted her nomination papers for the general seat, PK 25. She is the first woman from the Hindu community to have stood in a general election. The 25-year-old has been engaged in student politics and has served as secretary of the KP chapter of the PPP women’s wing. Her father, too, has been a member of the PPP.

Radha Manmeet, a social activist from the Hindu community, says that minority women in Pakistan face several structural, socio-cultural and financial obstacles that seriously limit their opportunities for advancement. She says women’s autonomy is often restricted and their access to education and employment is limited by conservative expectations and prevalent gender norms in both majority and minority populations. Wage disparities are one way the economic obstacles manifest themselves. Minority women often face unequal compensation and restricted access to high-wage jobs. A lack of networks and funding discourages entrepreneurship. There are systemic inequities in education and minority women frequently have less access to high-quality education. This further limits their options for pursuing careers.

“The journey toward inclusive democracy is symbolised by the empowerment of every citizen, irrespective of gender or minority status.”

Shehla Bibi highlights the enduring presence of religious minorities in Peshawar and historical denial of their basic rights. She says that the current wave of political awareness is an opportunity for these communities to raise their collective voice and address the longstanding issues. Poverty and lack of education are the primary challenges. Shehla says if she is elected she will champion initiatives addressing these critical concerns. She says lack of education and awareness often relegates some very talented women to menial jobs.

Education is the central focus of Shehla Bibi’s agenda, highlighting her dedication to empowering her community through knowledge and awareness. Her vision extends beyond her personal aspirations. She aims to uplift the entire community and provide opportunities for growth and development.

Rabia Basri, the regional president of PTI’s Women Wing says, “The journey towards inclusive democracy is symbolised by the empowerment of every citizen, irrespective of gender or minority status. These awareness sessions and Shehla Bibi’s candidacy serve as powerful indicators of a shift towards a more inclusive political landscape. The willingness of minority women to step into the political arena reflects the evolving dynamics of democracy in Pakistan, embodying the aspirations of their communities.

Samar Haroon Bilour, the provincial focal person for the Awami National Party, adds another layer to the narrative, emphasising the paramount importance of equal rights for all party members. Bilour underscores the importance of proactive inclusion of minority members in every cabinet formed by the Awami National Party to ensure their substantive participation in the decision-making processes.

Parvinder Singh, leading the minority community in the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa says he has observed a noteworthy surge in awareness among religious minorities. He says this increased awareness has been accompanied by a growing interest and willingness among members of these minority communities to participate in elections.

Asif Ali Yaseen, the Election Commission of Pakistan director, says that the involvement of minority women is not merely symbolic. He says it is vital for fostering a diverse and representative democracy.

The active engagement of civil society in organising such sessions underscores the significance of collaborative efforts in nurturing an inclusive political landscape. The pivotal role played by the Election Commission in providing comprehensive information on the nomination process demonstrates a commitment to democratisation and equality, facilitating the entry of minority women into the political arena. It reflects a dedication to amplify diverse voices, ensure that the concerns of minority communities are not only heard but also addressed. The journey towards an inclusive democracy is marked by these steps, empowering every citizen, irrespective of gender or minority identity, to contribute to the democratic process.

The writer is a freelance journalist