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.