Dissecting the representative governance in south Asia: Exploring women’s political participation in the region

Women's engagement in politics within South Asia is a vital yet insufficiently examined topic, particularly when considering the nations of SAARC (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). Despite the establishment of constitutional rights and progressive policies, women continue to encounter systemic obstacles, which include socio-cultural norms, patriarchal systems, and institutional biases, thereby hampering their representation in governance and decision-making processes. This study investigates the level of women’s political involvement across SAARC countries, analysing various factors such as electoral quotas, educational attainment, economic empowerment, and the current scenario that either promotes or obstructs their participation. A comparative methodology is utilised, drawing from empirical data and case studies to evaluate advancements and ongoing challenges. The results indicate that while affirmative action has increased numerical representation, genuine participation remains limited. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to promote gender-inclusive governance within the region.