Empowering Women through Legal Initiatives: A Study of Legal Reforms for Women Empowerment in Pakistan (2005–2024)

Abstract

This article takes a critical look at the process and outcomes of the legal reform process for a women in Pakistan in the period of 2005-24. It analyses the impact of legislative interferences on the enhancement on women's socio-economic, political and legal status in a conventionally patriarchal society. The analysis is based on the review of legal documents, to include the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010), the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act (2016) and the range of family law reforms, with an assessment on how they have been implemented and how they have supported women’s rights and empowerment. Using a mixed-methods methodology, the research combines qualitative data and quantitative data. The findings reveals the areas of both success and ongoing challenges, including inadequate enforcement measures, social and cultural resistance and limited ecological knowledge among women. The analysis points that despite several legal reforms the situation women empowerment is facing multiple issues but "ideally there is need of a combination of policy effort, institutional commitment and public campaign". This work adds to the broader literature on gender justice and the delivery of development benefits through the law by providing policy prescriptions that would help in consolidating the relationship between the law and inclusive development and gender justice in Pakistan.