The Chief Election Commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja, said Thursday that the Election Commission has reduced the gender gap in the electoral rolls from 11.8pc in 2018 to 7.4pc in January 2025.
He called this reduction in gender gap a testament to the continuous efforts of the Election Commission, as he, along with four members of the Election Commission, inaugurated the fifth phase of Inclusive Women CNIC & VOTER Registration campaign of the Election Commission on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025 here.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Election Commissioner said democracy flourishes when every voice is heard and every citizen can shape their future through their vote. Referring to the constitutional jurisdiction of the Election Commission, he stressed the need for special measures by the Election Commission and NADRA to include women and disadvantaged groups in line with Article 25 and Sections 47 and 48 of the Elections Act, 2017.
CEC Sultan Raja highlighted the Election Commission’s commitment to provide a supportive environment for women, including arrangements like daycare centers, transport provision, women’s common rooms and dedicated parking. He noted that the Election Commission has also ensured the representation of women in key positions, including District Election Commissioners and Election Officers (DEC&EOs), and has implemented a zero-tolerance policy against workplace harassment.
According to ECP spokesperson, the previous four phases of this campaign highlighted the promotion of equal electoral participation for women and other disadvantaged groups and took steps to enhance inclusion in the electoral process and gender equality. He explained that the Election Commission has laid the foundation of Gender Mainstreaming and Social Inclusion Framework in the Asia Pacific Region, along with a five-year action plan to ensure maximum inclusion and representation of women and marginalized groups. He said the commission has also initiated gender-responsive budgeting and trained its staff in provinces and districts on gender-sensitive planning.
