Women’s political participation refers to their participation in electoral processes, policy-making, and leadership positions. It involves voting, standing for elections, holding public office, and being involved in decision-making at various levels of governance. Political empowerment is key to achieving gender equality, as it helps address issues like education, healthcare, and gender-based violence. Below we have given details on the Political Participation of Women in India
Status of Women’s Representation in Indian Parliament
Parliament: In the Lok Sabha, the share of women members has increased from 5-10% until 2004 to 13.6% in the current 18th Lok Sabha, while in the Rajya Sabha, it is around 13%.
State Legislatures: The national average of women’s representation in State Legislative Assemblies stands at a mere 9%, with no state having more than 20% women legislators.
Need of Women in Politics
- Gender Equality: Women’s participation in politics is essential to achieve SDG 5(gender equality) and empower all women and girls for effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at various levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.”
- Addressing Women-Specific Issues: Female politicians champion issues like reproductive rights, domestic violence laws, maternal healthcare, and education for girls, ensuring these issues get the policy attention they deserve.
- Social Benefits: Women being politically empowered, economies ultimately benefit.
- Economic Growth: Countries where higher female representation persists, have lower levels of corruption and higher economic growth.
Reasons for Underrepresentation
- Socio-Cultural Barriers: Patriarchal norms and gender stereotypes limit women’s participation in politics. Household responsibilities, lack of family support, coupled with disparities in education and economic empowerment.
- Political Party Dynamics: Male-dominated parties hesitate to field women candidates, relegating them to “safe” or “unwinnable” seats.
- Electoral System Challenges: Established male candidates with strong financial and organizational backing get benefit from the first-past-the-post system. High election costs, prevalence of criminalization, and money power push women backward.
- Institutional and Legal Barriers: The delayed implementation of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, which provide for one-third reservation for women in local bodies, has limited the pipeline of women entering politics. Also, repeated failure to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill, is another major institutional barrier.
- Lack of Political Will: Non-prioritisation of women’s political empowerment by major parties and inadequate sustained pressure from women’s movements and civil society ensures the status quo.
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Steps were taken for their representation
- Constitutional Amendments:
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992/1993) provided for one-third reservation of seats for women in Panchayats and Municipalities, increasing their participation in local governance.
- The 106th Constitutional Amendment (2023) proposes a one-third reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, though its implementation is contingent on the next delimitation exercise.
- The reservation will be implemented after the first census following the commencement of the 106th Amendment Act including a delimitation exercise.
- The Women’s Reservation Bill: Introduced in 1996, proposed 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Despite multiple attempts, the bill has still not been passed due to a lack of political consensus.
- Voluntary Party Quotas: Several political parties in India give female representation in their candidates for elections. For example, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Biju Janata Dal, and Rashtriya Janata Dal had 33%, 33%, and 29% quota.
- Empowerment Schemes and Programs: Initiatives like Mahila Shakti Kendra, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, have aimed to improve women’s socio-economic status.
- Civil Society and Women’s Movements: Women’s rights groups, activists, as well as organizations are incessantly advocating for greater political representation.
Way forward
- International Engagement and Commitment: India should align its goal with global commitment( G20 Leaders’ Declaration and SDGs)making women’s political empowerment as a global priority.
- Electoral Reforms: Addressing the criminalization of politics and financial uncertainties can create a more equitable political landscape for women’s participation.
- Gender-Inclusive Policies: Political structures must provide gender-responsive frameworks to ensure equal access and representation for women in leadership roles.
- Intra-Party Democracy: Political parties should strive to embrace inclusivity by encouraging women at all levels of governance.
- Encouraging Local-Level Representation: Community-based organizations and Self-Help Groups can nurture future political leaders by strengthening female participation in local governance.
- Encourage Women-Led Initiatives: Promoting skill-building, community knowledge-sharing, and supporting women-led projects in areas like sustainability and social welfare.
- All round development: Mentor and train to empower young women, fostering gender equality as well as enhancing their political engagement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even after making significant strides, women still face many challenges. Gender discrimination, violence, unequal pay, and many more, the road to equality is long and winding. Despite these hurdles, the increasing representation of women in Parliament is a positive sign. However, the effective implementation of laws concerning women and the patronage within political parties remain areas of improvement. As India continues to grow and develop, it is crucial to ensure that women’s issues come to the forefront. Only by addressing these challenges head-on can we achieve true gender equality in Indian politics.