Between Tradition and Participation: Gender Roles and Socio-Cultural Barriers to Women’s Political Participation in Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Women’s political participation is a key determinant of empowerment, equity, and inclusive governance. However, in patriarchal societies such as Pakistan, deeply rooted gender roles and socio-cultural norms continue to restrict women’s engagement in political processes. This study examines the influence of gender roles and socio-cultural barriers on women’s political participation in Peshawar, Pakistan. A qualitative thematic design was employed, with primary data collected through structured topic guides from a sample of respondents selected using purposive sampling method. Data were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The findings indicated that entrenched gender roles, patriarchal norms, and socio-cultural expectations significantly limit women’s participation in active politics. Women are often confined to domestic roles and face restrictions on voting behavior, political engagement, and contesting elections. Misinterpretations of social and cultural values further reinforce these constraints, reducing women’s visibility and agency in political spaces. The study concludes that enhancing women’s political participation requires addressing socio-cultural barriers through awareness, community engagement, and institutional support. Promoting inclusive narratives around gender roles and strengthening women’s involvement in social and community structures can facilitate greater participation in politics. These efforts are essential for advancing gender equity and achieving more representative and responsive governance.