This talk will explore how social norms reproduce gender inequality, particularly in governance and politics, in patriarchal societies using Pakistan as an example. It will examine potential pathways for changing the status quo, considering the inherent ‘stickiness’ of inequality-creating social norms that tend to evolve slowly. Additionally, it will discuss the limitations of working within these norms and explore actions that can effectively shift them. The talk will synthesize findings from the author’s recent research on the subject.