Author: Mamatha A G, a student at CMR University School of Legal Studies
“For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.”
– Michelle Bachelet, Head of UN Women, former President and Defense Minister
India’s Constitution, particularly Article 15, strives to eliminate gender disparities rooted in religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, ensuring fundamental rights for all citizens. Despite these constitutional guarantees, women in India face significant barriers in realizing these rights, often encountering de jure rather than de facto access. This disparity is glaring in political representation, where women remain severely underrepresented in legislative bodies, despite comprising nearly half of the population.
Since independence, the Indian Parliament has witnessed a disproportionately low number of women members, hindering potential gains in women’s economic and social empowerment. Although many women participate in voting, few ascend to prominent political positions within parties. Globally, India ranked 145th in women’s parliamentary representation in 2016, and it slipped to 129th in global gender parity rankings by 2024.
In South Asia, India ranks fifth behind Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan in terms of gender parity. Economically, India exhibits low gender parity, with women earning less than 30% of men’s wages, akin to countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan. Despite advancements in secondary education enrollment, political empowerment remains lacking, with women holding only 6.9% of ministerial positions and 17.2% of parliamentary seats.
As of 2024, India has closed 64.1% of its gender gap, yet declines in educational and political empowerment underscore ongoing challenges. Addressing these issues requires intensified efforts to enhance women’s representation and participation in Indian politics.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON WOMEN’S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION IN INDIA
Women’s political participation in India spans the pre-independence and post-independence eras. Before independence, Indian women were active in the freedom movement, joining protests and public meetings against British rule. Organizations like the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) were crucial in advocating for women’s education and rights. After gaining independence in 1947, the Indian Constitution granted equal rights to all citizens, including universal suffrage in 1950, allowing both men and women to vote.
A milestone in women’s political representation was the introduction of reservations in local governance through the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments in 1994, reserving 33% of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions (local governments) for women. This significantly increased women’s participation. Women have held significant political roles since independence, including president, prime minister, and chief ministers of various states. Influential women politicians like Sarojini Naidu, the first female president of the Indian National Congress, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first Indian woman cabinet minister and UN General Assembly president, paved the way for future generations, establishing a legacy of female political leadership
EVOLUTION OF WOMEN’S REPRESENTATION IN INDIAN POLITICS
Women’s participation in Indian politics has seen significant evolution over the past decade, marked by both advancements and persistent challenges. As of the latest data, women constitute approximately 14-15% of the Lok Sabha, with 78 out of 542 seats held by women, and about 11% of the Rajya Sabha, with 24 women among its 245 members.
From 2010 to 2015: Slow Progress Amidst Challenges
In the early part of the decade, women’s representation in Indian Parliament hovered around 10-12%. Patriarchal norms within political parties and societal expectations continued to hinder women’s entry and progression in politics. State-wise disparities were evident, with states like Kerala and West Bengal showing higher representation compared to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
2015 to 2020: Gradual Gains and Policy Initiatives
During this period, there was a gradual increase in women entering politics, driven partly by policy initiatives like reservations in Panchayati Raj Institutions. The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill remained a contentious issue, despite ongoing advocacy for one-third reservation of seats in Parliament and state legislatures.
2020 to Present: Recent Trends and Challenges
Recent years have witnessed incremental growth in women’s political participation. States such as Telangana and Maharashtra have seen notable rises in women candidates and elected representatives, reflecting changing societal attitudes and political strategies. However, challenges such as patriarchal structures, economic disparities, and limited access to resources persist, hindering full parity in political representation.
Policy Efforts and Future Directions
Efforts to enhance women’s representation in decision-making bodies remain critical for fostering inclusive governance. The Women’s Reservation Bill continues to be a pivotal policy recommendation, aiming to bridge gender disparities in legislative bodies and empower women in political leadership roles.
WOMEN’S RESERVATION ACT, 2023
The Women’s Reservation Act of 2023 is a landmark initiative aimed at promoting gender equality in India’s political sphere. It is enshrined in the Constitution under the 106th Amendment Act, requiring that one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi be reserved for women. This includes seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), marking a significant step towards enhancing women’s representation in elected bodies.
This article delves into the implications, historical context, legislative journey, and societal impact of this transformative law.
India’s quest for women’s political representation dates back to the early 20th century. Despite progressive measures like the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992, which mandated reservations for women in local bodies, national-level legislative efforts faced repeated setbacks. Previous attempts in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2008 faltered due to procedural lapses and lack of consensus.
The Women’s Reservation Act of 2023 marks the culmination of decades-long advocacy and political determination. It underwent rigorous scrutiny by parliamentary committees, including the Geeta Mukherjee Committee in 1996 and subsequent reviews that recommended extending reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and periodic revisions.
The Act’s implementation is phased, tied to the publication of the next census data and subsequent delimitation exercises. This ensures rotation of reserved seats across constituencies, promoting equitable representation over time. Challenges such as logistical complexities in delimitation, legal scrutiny, and societal resistance in regions like Nagaland highlight ongoing obstacles.
Beyond addressing historical underrepresentation, the Act aims to enrich policy discussions by incorporating diverse perspectives. Currently, women hold just 15% of seats in the 17th Lok Sabha and average 9% across State Legislative Assemblies, emphasizing the urgent need for greater inclusion.
Moreover, the Act catalyzes broader societal shifts by empowering women from diverse backgrounds to actively participate in politics, challenging entrenched gender norms, and serving as role models for future generations. By prioritizing women’s issues such as healthcare, education, and gender-based violence, female lawmakers bring essential perspectives to policymaking.
Looking ahead, effective implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act requires collaborative efforts among government bodies, civil society, and political stakeholders. Addressing logistical readiness for delimitation, ensuring constitutional compliance, and fostering inclusive political environments are critical steps towards realizing its transformative potential
CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN POLITICIANS IN INDIA
In India, women who want to lead in politics face many difficulties because of how society thinks and how things work in politics. These challenges often stop capable women from joining politics or going higher up, even if they are skilled and motivated.
One famous example is Jayalalitha Jayaram, who was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Her story shows how women in politics deal with biases against them and high expectations from society. Despite becoming a strong political figure, she was removed from office due to political games, which shows how hard it is for women to stay in powerful positions once they get there.
Across India, women like Meera Patel from Gujarat and Priya Singh from Bihar face similar problems. Meera Patel fought against her family’s objections and society’s norms to help local communities. Her work showed how women leaders can make a big difference at the local level.
Priya Singh from Bihar faced challenges within her own political party when she tried to get a nomination. This shows how hard it is for women to be accepted and get opportunities in politics.
Another important leader is Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal. She started as a grassroots activist, fighting for farmers and disadvantaged people in West Bengal. Mamata faced a lot of opposition from her party and society, but she still became a strong leader in West Bengal.
These women show bravery and strength in navigating tough political landscapes. Their stories highlight the need for changes in education, laws supporting gender equality, and a culture that encourages all types of leaders.
As India moves forward, empowering more women in politics isn’t just about having more women in power. It’s about making democracy stronger and making sure everyone benefits from fair and inclusive governance.
SUCCESS STORIES OF WOMEN POLITICIANS IN INDIA
- Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi, the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, held office as India’s Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was renowned for her decisive leadership, notably during events such as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which resulted in the establishment of Bangladesh.
During her tenure, Indira Gandhi oversaw significant advancements in India’s nuclear program and spearheaded the Green Revolution, which revolutionized agriculture and bolstered food security. She played a critical role in shaping India’s foreign policy, elevating the country’s global stature.
- Jayalalithaa Jayaram
Jayalalithaa Jayaram was a prominent leader in Tamil Nadu, serving as Chief Minister multiple times. She was known for her charisma, administrative skills, and welfare schemes targeting marginalized communities.
Jayalalithaa’s leadership brought about substantial infrastructure development, educational reforms, and social welfare programs in Tamil Nadu. Her policies aimed at empowering women and improving governance continue to impact the state’s development.
- Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee is the current Chief Minister of West Bengal and the founder of the All India Trinamool Congress party. She emerged as a formidable leader through her grassroots activism and advocacy for the rights of farmers and marginalized communities.
Under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, West Bengal has seen significant improvements in rural development, healthcare, and education. She has been instrumental in steering her party to electoral victories and implementing pro-poor policies.
- Mayawati
Mayawati, also known as Kumari Mayawati, is a prominent Dalit leader and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. She has championed the cause of social justice and empowerment of marginalized communities.
Mayawati’s tenure focused on social welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and affirmative action for Dalits in Uttar Pradesh. Her leadership challenged traditional caste-based politics and promoted inclusive governance
- Nirmala Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman is India’s first full-time woman Finance Minister, assuming office in 2019. She has held key ministerial positions and played a crucial role in shaping economic policies during her tenure.
As Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman has spearheaded initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth, promoting financial inclusion, and implementing structural reforms. Her leadership during challenging economic times has been pivotal in steering India’s fiscal policies.
- Draupadi Murmu
Draupadi Murmu is the current Governor of Jharkhand and the first Adivasi woman to hold such a position in India. Before her gubernatorial role, she was actively involved in tribal welfare and development initiatives in Odisha.
As Governor, Draupadi Murmu has focused on promoting education, healthcare, and socio-economic development in Jharkhand, particularly among tribal communities. Her leadership symbolizes empowerment and inclusivity for indigenous populations.
FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR WOMEN’S POLITICAL REPRESENTATION IN INDIA:
Looking ahead, the future of women’s representation in Indian politics holds promise amidst ongoing challenges. Demographic shifts, including increasing literacy and economic participation among women, are pivotal. Policy initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s political engagement, coupled with evolving societal attitudes towards gender equality, offer avenues for progress. Continued advocacy for legislative reforms, such as the Women’s Reservation Bill, remains crucial to achieving equitable representation at all levels of governance. The emergence of influential women leaders across various states underscores a changing landscape where women are increasingly recognized for their leadership potential. However, entrenched patriarchal norms, socio-economic disparities, and institutional barriers necessitate sustained efforts to create inclusive political environments. By empowering more women to participate actively in decision-making processes, India can foster stronger democratic institutions that reflect the diversity and aspirations of its populace.
ANALYSIS
The article offers a comprehensive view of the historical backdrop, legislative milestones, and current challenges confronting women in Indian politics. Despite constitutional guarantees, women continue to be significantly underrepresented, as evidenced by global gender parity rankings and statistical data on their political engagement. The Women’s Reservation Act of 2023 marks a pivotal advancement towards gender equality, though it faces implementation hurdles and societal resistance. Success stories of influential leaders like Indira Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee underscore the transformative potential of female political leadership.
Looking ahead, demographic shifts, policy initiatives, and evolving societal attitudes present hopeful prospects for women’s political empowerment in India. Continued advocacy and structural reforms are crucial to creating inclusive political spaces that fully harness the capabilities of women leaders for sustainable democratic progress.
India has made strides in women’s political representation, yet challenges persist due to slow progress and systemic barriers. The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, is a landmark but requires concerted efforts for full implementation and societal acceptance. Success stories of pioneering women leaders highlight the transformative impact of inclusive governance. Sustained advocacy, policy reforms, and evolving societal attitudes are essential to unlock the complete potential of women in Indian politics, ensuring they thrive as equal stakeholders in shaping the nation’s future.
FAQs
- Why is women’s political representation important in India?
- Women’s political representation ensures that diverse perspectives are included in decision-making processes, leading to more inclusive policies that address the needs of all citizens. It also promotes gender equality and empowers women economically and socially.
- What are some historical milestones in women’s political participation in India?
- Women in India gained the right to vote in 1950 with the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Significant legislative milestones include the introduction of reservations in local governance through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1993, which reserved 33% of seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions for women
- What is the significance of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023?
- The Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 reserves one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi for women, marking a significant legislative stride towards gender equality in politics.
- What are some challenges faced by women politicians in India?
- Women in Indian politics often encounter patriarchal norms within political parties, societal expectations, economic disparities, and limited access to resources, which hinder their full participation and leadership.
- What are the future prospects for women’s political representation in India?
- Future prospects include demographic shifts, policy initiatives, and evolving societal attitudes towards gender equality, offering opportunities for greater inclusion and participation of women in decision-making processes.
