ABSTRACT
Democratic governments are generally regarded as being more pro-women than authoritarian ones as they expand individual freedoms, promote human rights and guarantee citizen equality. Using the case of Pakistan, this chapter suggests that while the type of government might be important it does not sufficiently explain the variation in the adoption and nature of laws pertaining to women, such as legislation on divorce, inheritance, adultery, rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment, neither does it adequately explain the patterns of gender law reform. The chapter indicates the general importance of three inter-related factors: intra-regime dynamics; gender-related activism; and policy legacies. The case of Pakistan shows that the contingent interaction of the three critically affects the public policy agenda on women. While women rights groups might make up the majority of those agitating for legal innovation, reform demands also emanate from prominent activists, lawyers and politicians. These demands include reform in both practical and strategic gender interests.
