RES PUBLICA 53 PAKISTAN: EFFECTS OF DECENTRALIZATION ON WOMEN

Research shows that female status in Pakistan is far behind that in most other nations. The vast gender inequality is gaining more attention from international actors but no success has been reported. I analyze interviews conducted with directors of local Women’s Policy Machinery groups in Pakistan in 2007. In analyzing the surveys I test three hypotheses in regards to the question: will decentralization lead the government to be more responsive to women? In completing my research I have come to the conclusion that the instability of the country as well as its strong traditions will continue to hold women back. The future of the country as of right now is uncertain, but if a democratic government is able to survive, the Pakistani women may have a brighter future ahead of them