Gender Equality in Politics

Context (IE)

In 2024, India’s democracy stands at a critical juncture, where increasing female participation in political roles is essential to diversify decision-making, enrich policy discussions, and mature the democratic process.

India’s Legacy in Women’s Political Empowerment

1. Early Voting Rights:
   India was among the pioneering nations to grant women equal voting rights, establishing a foundational principle of gender inclusivity in its democracy.
2. Historical Figures of Shakti:
   Women like Uda Devi Pasi and Dakshayani Velayudhan played pivotal roles in shaping India’s political and social landscape, demonstrating courage and leadership during key moments in history.
3. Cultural Significance:
   The concept of Ardhanarishvara in Indian culture symbolizes the balance and equality between genders, reinforcing the notion that gender balance in political roles is crucial for a harmonious society.

Progress for Women in Indian Politics

• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam Bill (2023):
  This law encourages increased female representation in decision-making processes, facilitating a more gender-diverse political sphere.
• Substantive Participation:
  Women in India have progressed from ceremonial roles to influential positions, shaping electoral strategies and advocating for women-centric policies like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Jan Dhan Yojana.
• Breaking Political Stereotypes:
  Women across various political parties have transitioned from symbolic to substantive roles, setting a powerful example for a more inclusive democracy.

Importance of Women’s Political Participation

1. Democratic Integrity:
   Women’s involvement in politics strengthens democratic systems by ensuring diverse voices are heard and promoting more balanced governance.
2. Gender-sensitive Policies:
   Women leaders bring a focus on issues affecting women, children, and marginalized groups, leading to policies in healthcare, education, and economic security that benefit all citizens.
3. Enhanced Community Engagement:
   Female political leaders often have stronger grassroots connections, ensuring policies reflect the real needs of communities.
4. Societal Transformation:
   More women in politics challenge traditional gender norms, inspiring future generations of women to break barriers and assume leadership positions.
5. Economic and Social Development:
   Research shows that regions led by women often see better infrastructure, enhanced educational outcomes, and more efficient project implementation.
6. Meeting Global Commitments:
   Greater female participation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality.

Current Status in India

• Parliamentary Representation:
  Women’s representation in the Lok Sabha has increased from 4.4% in 1952 to 14.4% in 2019. In the 2024 elections, a record 74 women MPs were elected, with many being first-time entrants.
• State Legislatures:
  At the state level, female representation remains lower, with states like Chhattisgarh (14.4%) and West Bengal (13.7%) leading but still falling short of ideal targets.
• Global Comparison:
  India’s female parliamentary representation is lower than countries like Rwanda (61.3%) and Sweden (47.3%), which demonstrate significantly higher rates of female political representation.

Measures Supporting Women’s Political Empowerment

1. Constitutional Provisions
   • Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on sex, affirming women’s equal rights.
   • Article 243D reserves 33% of seats for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
   • Article 326 guarantees the right to vote for all adults, including women.
2. Legislative Initiatives
   • The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023) ensures 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
   • Constitutional Amendments (73rd and 74th) mandate 33% reservation for women in rural and urban local bodies, with some states opting for 50%.
3. International Treaties and Commitments
   • CEDAW (1979) promotes women’s rights in political and public life.
   • The Beijing Platform for Action advocates for the removal of barriers to women’s political participation.

Challenges to Women’s Political Participation

1. Patriarchal Norms:
   Deep-rooted gender roles and societal conditioning often restrict women’s political ambitions, emphasizing domestic roles over public leadership.
2. High Campaign Costs:
   The financial burden of running competitive political campaigns remains a significant barrier for many women entering politics.
3. Political Bias:
   Male-dominated political parties frequently display bias, limiting opportunities for women candidates and offering fewer party tickets to women.
4. Safety and Security Risks:
   Women in politics face the threat of harassment and violence, which often deters their active involvement.
5. Proxy Representation:
   In local governance, the practice of Sarpanch Pati—where male family members act as de facto leaders in place of elected women—undermines true female empowerment.

Global Best Practices

1. Zipper System (Rwanda):
   This system mandates that every third candidate on political party lists be female, resulting in Rwanda having one of the highest rates of female parliamentary representation globally.
2. Constitutional Committees (Chile):
   Chile’s policies ensure balanced gender representation in committees, promoting gender-equitable decision-making.
3. European Quota Systems:
   Countries like Switzerland have implemented effective gender quotas, significantly improving female representation in legislative bodies.

Measures for Enhanced Female Representation

1. International Engagement and Commitment:
   India should align with international frameworks such as the G20 Leaders’ Declaration and SDGs, reaffirming women’s political empowerment as a global priority.
2. Electoral Reforms:
   Addressing challenges like criminalization and financial irregularities can level the playing field, making political participation more accessible for women.
3. Gender-Inclusive Policies:
   Political structures need gender-responsive frameworks that ensure equal access to political leadership for women.
4. Intra-Party Democracy:
   Political parties should actively encourage the participation of women at all levels, from local to national elections.
5. Local-Level Representation:
   Strengthening female participation in local governance through grassroots organizations and Self-Help Groups can build a pipeline of future political leaders.
6. Support Women-Led Initiatives:
   Promoting women-led projects in areas like social welfare and sustainability can drive systemic change.
7. Political Education and Leadership Training:
   Developing mentorship and leadership programs for young women will help empower them, enhancing their political participation and fostering gender equality.