Evaluating Factors Contributing to Female Low Turnout in the Gujranwala District of the Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Women’s political and electoral participation is indispensable for the success of the democratic process, as women account for more than half of the world’s population. However, the literature indicates that men are more likely than women to vote worldwide. Evident in established democracies, this gender disparity is more critical in developing democracies. Based on the most recent elections in 2024 in Pakistan, it has been observed that 42 percent of women cast their vote against the 52 percent of men. Numerous factors hinder female electoral participation, including social, economic, political, and institutional factors that hinder women’s political participation in Pakistan.  Gender disparity in voter turnout exists in liberal and electoral democracies. Although the gender gap is shrinking in Western democracies, it continues to persist in most developing societies of the Global South. There are various socio-political and structural factors contributing to low voter turnout. Against this backdrop, the primary goal of this paper is to examine the gender gap in voter turnout and identify social barriers and institutional hurdles influencing political participation in Punjab, using Gujranwala district as a case study. Using survey data, the research finds that social barriers and institutional hurdles significantly influence female voter turnout. The study is limited to one district and evaluates four factors, arguing political parties must take necessary measures to improve female political engagement and turnout. The paper considers that societies can fully achieve democratic representation and participation by emphasizing gender equality in electoral procedures and creating an atmosphere that encourages female political participation.