Political Representation of Women

GS2 – Governance

Content

Although the Women’s Reservation Bill has been passed, women continue to face limited representation in political leadership positions.

Status of Women’s Political Representation in India

• Global Presence:
  As of 2023, women accounted for 26.9% of parliamentary seats worldwide.
• Parliamentary Representation:
  In India, the representation of women in Parliament has declined to 13.8% in 2025, as per the Global Gender Gap Index 2025.
• State Legislatures:
  At the state level, only 9% of candidates in legislative assemblies are women, and no state has more than 20% women MLAs.
• Local Bodies:
  In contrast, women constituted 44% of elected representatives in local governance bodies by 2022, amounting to 13.75 lakh representatives.
• Female Voter Turnout:
  While women’s voter turnout has significantly improved from 46.6% in 1962 to 65.8% in 2024, political leadership roles remain male-dominated. For instance, only 1 out of 40 Congress district presidents in Gujarat is a woman.
• Women Contesting Elections:
  The number of women contesting in Lok Sabha elections rose from 45 in 1957 to 797 in 2024, but their success rates remain low.

Why Political Representation of Women Matters

• Achieving Gender Equality:
  Women’s active political participation is critical for attaining Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which emphasizes equal representation in public leadership roles.
• Focus on Key Issues:
  Women leaders are more likely to prioritize healthcare, education, and domestic violence, contributing to more inclusive and responsive policymaking.
• Democratic Deepening:
  Women’s political involvement enhances democratic legitimacy, social inclusion, and communal harmony, as recognized in the 1995 Beijing Declaration.
• Economic Benefits:
  A McKinsey report estimates that bridging the gender gap in leadership could add $28 trillion to global GDP by 2025.
• Improved Governance:
  Countries with higher women’s participation in power often witness lower corruption levels and stronger economic performance.

Challenges to Women’s Political Representation

• Structural Barriers:
  Patriarchal political systems often deny women leadership opportunities, party tickets, and decision-making roles.
• Lack of Political Will:
  Political parties often hesitate to nominate women, citing lower winning chances, which perpetuates exclusion and lack of preparedness.
• Financial Constraints:
  Limited financial resources and economic dependence prevent many women from entering or sustaining a political career.
• Gender-Based Intimidation:
  Women in politics are subjected to violence, online abuse, and proxy representation, especially at grassroots levels.

Government Measures to Improve Women’s Representation

• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Articles 325 and 326 guarantee equal voting rights.
  • Articles 84 and 173 allow all citizens, including women, to contest elections.
• Reservation in Local Governance:
  • 33% of seats are reserved for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies through the 73rd and 74th Amendments.
• Women’s Reservation Act, 2023:
  • The 106th Constitutional Amendment mandates 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, effective after delimitation and the next Census.
• International Commitments:
  India has endorsed CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration, both advocating for gender equality in politics.
• Election Commission of India (ECI) Initiatives:
  Programs like SVEEP and ‘Pink Booths’ staffed entirely by women aim to encourage electoral participation among women.
• Capacity Building Efforts:
  Institutions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and various NGOs conduct leadership training and empowerment programs for aspiring women leaders.