Pakistan is set to go to the polls on May 11, which is already considered a historical feat, as this will be a civilian-to-civilian transfer of government, which is a democratic victory for the country. Another first is the filing of candidacy of not one but two tribal women for this year’s election. This is indeed something for the history books. Badam Zari, a 40-year old housewife is fully supported by her husband. She filed her candidacy last Sunday. The Election Commission had already confirmed her candidacy for a seat in Pakistan’s lower house representing Bajaur. Nusrat Begum on the other hand will be an independent candidate to represent Lower Dir. She is the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Party’s district vice president. She decided to run as an independent because her party has already named another one.
In this male-dominated society, it is very rare that women go to the polls and vote on Election Day, much less be candidates in the election. Although this is not unprecedented because the late Benazir Bhutto had served as Prime Minister of Pakistan for two terms, in 1998 to 1990 and again in 1993 up to 1996.
Conservative society
The areas these two women represent are traditionally conservative and women are very limited in their participation in societal activities. Bajaur is a region that is inhabited mainly by tribesmen of Pashtun ethnicity. Their views on women are conservative. Women here seldom work outside of their homes and are required to wear clothes that cover most of their body and head, with just the eyes showing when they are outside in public places.
Lower Dir, up to 1969 was ruled by a prince. Religious extremism exists in the district. There are several religio-political parties in the district although two parties are gathering strength each day – PML Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf. In the 1998 census female literacy in the district is only 12.25% versus the 48.76% literacy rate for males.
Political Platform
Both women candidates want to give voice to the women in their districts. They want to see tangible results in making their constituents’ lives better; that they deserve basic amenities especially the minorities and the women and children in their district. They want to bring forth the problems that women face, problems that for them, the government usually ignores.
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