Role and contribution of rural women in enhancing rural development, improving food security and eradication of rural poverty is critical. Their participation in electoral process and representation in the democratic processes are important in shaping policies and programs at the local level to address the problems faced by women at the grass root level. On the eve of International Rural Women Day, I strongly urge women especially rural women to get their National Identity Cards registered, become registered voters and participate in electoral processes.
The Election Commission of Pakistan is committed to holding of free, fair and inclusive elections which is not possible without the participation of women of the country. In line with the Constitution; the Election Act 2017 has several provisions in the law that guarantee women’s rights as candidates and voters. The most serious challenge at hand is the gender gap on voters’ list. This gap is due to low registration of women’s NICs. This gap is due to low registration of women’s NICs. The absence of NIC cards has deprived a considerable number of women in rural as well as in urban areas of their most fundamental right of voting and contesting elections. To fill this gap becomes particularly important in the wake of the up-coming local government elections. To bridge this gap, the ECP has taken several initiatives that include;
•A Nation-wide awareness campaign to inform and educate women and marginalized groups about the importance of the NIC and Voter Registration;
•Close coordination and collaboration with NADRA and Civil society Organizations to facilitate women’s NIC and voter registration.
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