Introduction

India has taken a historic leap towards gender equality with the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), 2023. Aiming to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, this groundbreaking legislation promises to revolutionize political representation in the country. Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President of India has underscored this as a momentous stride, one that sends a strong global message about the political empowerment of women in India.

Political Representation of Women in India

1. Representation in Parliament: Since India’s independence, the representation of women in Parliament has grown, albeit slowly. In the first Lok Sabha in 1952, women constituted only 4.41% of the lower house. By 2009, this figure had crossed 10%, and in 2019, it stood at 14.36%. The recently concluded 2024 elections saw 74 women MPs elected, with 43 of them serving as first-time parliamentarians. These women, with an average age of 50, are highly educated, representing a shift towards more youth and dynamism in political participation.
2. State Legislative Assemblies: Representation in state assemblies, however, paints a less optimistic picture. States like Chhattisgarh (14.4%), West Bengal (13.7%), and Jharkhand (12.4%) lead, but overall, the participation of women at the state level remains low.
3. Global Comparison: According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global average of women in parliaments is 26.1%. India’s performance is below par, lagging behind more than 140 countries, including Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Despite incremental progress in the Lok Sabha, India has substantial room to improve.

Why Greater Political Empowerment for Women is Crucial

1. Accountability and Gender-Sensitive Governance : Empowering women ensures better accountability and more inclusive policymaking. Women’s direct engagement in public decision-making helps address issues that are often overlooked, especially those related to gender inequality.
2. Breaking Patriarchy in Politics:  Indian politics has long been dominated by men, but greater representation of women can break this patriarchal mold. It signifies a much-needed cultural shift in the country’s political landscape.
3. Focus on Gender Issues : Studies show that higher participation of women in politics results in stronger focus on women’s issues, leading to better policy frameworks addressing gender-based challenges.
4. Improvement in Economic Performance  : Women in leadership roles are known to boost economic performance. According to the UN University, women legislators improve the economic outcomes of their constituencies by 1.8% more than their male counterparts.
5. Challenging Gender Stereotypes  : Greater representation of women helps break stereotypes, challenging the conventional portrayal of women as homemakers and positioning them as decision-makers.

Barriers to Political Representation of Women in India

1. Political Ambition and Gender Conditioning: Women are often discouraged from running for office due to societal conditioning. The political arena is perceived as highly competitive, which, coupled with gender stereotypes and self-doubt, prevents women from pursuing leadership roles.
2. Patriarchal Society : The deeply entrenched patriarchy in Indian society, gender disparities in education, and the sexual division of labor limit women’s participation in politics.
3. Financial Constraints  : The high cost of contesting elections remains a significant barrier. Without access to sufficient resources, many women are unable to fund their campaigns.
4. Male Gatekeepers in Political Parties  : Party leaders often favor male candidates, contributing to the low number of women standing for elections.
5. Criminalization and Corruption : The growing criminalization and corruption in politics deter women from entering the political arena, especially in the absence of political education and reform.

Efforts to Empower Women Politically

Legislative Measures

• The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, once implemented, will guarantee 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments reserved 33% of seats for women in local bodies, with states like Bihar extending this to 50%.

Constitutional Measures

• Article 14 enshrines equality as a fundamental right, while Article 15 calls for non-discrimination.
• Article 243D mandates women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions, with at least 33% of the seats reserved for women.

International Covenants: India is a signatory to several international conventions, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979) and the Beijing Platform for Action (1995), all of which aim to remove barriers to women’s equal participation in politics.

The Way Forward

1. Curbing Criminalization of Politics  : Addressing the criminalization of politics and reforming electoral systems is essential for the successful implementation of women’s reservations.
2. Promoting Intra-Party Democracy : Political parties must encourage intra-party democracy to ensure a wider pool of women candidates.
3. Strengthening Women’s Organizations  : Women’s self-help groups and other organizations should be empowered to provide a platform for capable women to enter politics.
4. Encouraging Participation in Student Politics : Encouraging young women to participate in political debates and student elections will nurture future leaders.
5. Gender Sensitization : Conducting workshops and offering internships in the political sphere can promote gender parity and prepare women for future leadership roles.

Conclusion

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam represents a significant step towards gender equality in Indian politics. While legislative measures establish a strong foundation, effective implementation remains a challenge. Overcoming societal barriers, promoting education, and fostering an inclusive political culture are crucial for empowering women in governance. With sustained efforts, India can become a global benchmark for women’s political empowerment, truly reflecting democratic values.