India, the world’s largest democracy, has seen significant advancements in women’s political representation over the years. From holding leadership positions in grassroots governance to making impactful contributions to national politics, women in India are gradually making their mark. However, despite these advancements in women rights, the journey toward gender parity in political representation remains fraught with challenges. There are many challenges faced by women in politics.
The Current Landscape of Women’s Political Representation in India
India has long been a pioneer in electing women to high office, with Indira Gandhi serving as one of the world’s first female prime ministers in the 20th century. As of 2024, women hold around 14% of seats in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and 11% in the Rajya Sabha (upper house). This representation, though an improvement from previous decades, still lags behind the global average of 26% and remains far from gender parity. This is again one of the biggest challenges faced by women in politics.
At the local level, women have a more significant presence. The introduction of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1993 mandated the reservation of one-third of seats in panchayats (local government) for women. This initiative has empowered millions of women across rural India, leading to the election of over 1.3 million women to local governing bodies.
Factors Contributing to Progress in India
1. Reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
The most notable driver of women’s political empowerment in India has been the reservation of seats in PRIs. This move has enabled women to enter the political arena, particularly in rural areas, often challenging deep-rooted patriarchal norms. Women in PRIs have contributed significantly to improving local governance, with research showing their influence on issues like sanitation, education, and healthcare. This resolved some of the challenges faced by women in politics.
2. Rising Participation in National Politics
India has seen an increase in the number of women contesting national elections. For example, in the 2019 general elections, the highest number of women candidates—724, contested for parliamentary seats. This was a marked increase from previous elections, reflecting a growing political will to include women at higher levels of governance.
3. Political Party Initiatives
Some political parties in India have taken steps to field more female candidates and include women in decision-making roles. Parties like the Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party have championed the cause of greater female representation in both state and national elections, although much more needs to be done. They created the path that provided solutions for the challenges faced by women in politics.
4. Civil Society Movements
Grassroots movements and NGOs have played a critical role in educating and training women to take on leadership roles. Organizations such as the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and Pradan have empowered women through skill-building programs and political awareness campaigns, helping to nurture a new generation of female leaders and solving challenges faced by women in politics.
Challenges to Women’s Political Representation in India
Despite the progress, Indian women still face several challenges in gaining equal political representation:
1. Lack of Women’s Reservation Bill
One of the most significant hurdles in achieving gender parity in Indian politics is the Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. Despite being introduced in 1996, the bill has faced stiff resistance and has yet to be passed into law. The passage of this bill would mark a major milestone in ensuring greater female representation at higher levels of governance.
2. Patriarchal Attitudes
Deeply entrenched patriarchal norms continue to limit women’s participation in politics. Many female candidates face social and familial pressures, and there is still a widespread belief that politics is a “man’s domain.” This mindset often leads to women being discouraged from pursuing leadership roles or being used as proxies for male family members.
3. Economic Barriers
Financial constraints are a significant barrier for women aspiring to enter politics. Contesting elections in India is often expensive, and many women, particularly from rural or underprivileged backgrounds, lack the resources to finance their campaigns. This economic disparity further limits their chances of winning elections and is considered the biggest challenges faced by women in politics.
4. Political Violence and Intimidation
Women in Indian politics often face gender-based violence and intimidation, which discourages many from entering or continuing in the political sphere. Studies have shown that female politicians are more likely to face threats, harassment, and abuse, both online and offline, compared to their male counterparts.
The Path Forward
Achieving gender equality in India’s political representation requires concerted efforts on multiple fronts:
- Passing the Women’s Reservation Bill: Implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill would be a transformative step in boosting the number of women in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. This legislative move is essential to levelling the playing field and creating more opportunities for women in politics.
- Encouraging Political Parties to Prioritize Women: Political parties must be more proactive in fielding women candidates and ensuring they are given roles that go beyond symbolic positions. Women’s leadership should be encouraged not just at the grassroots level but across the political hierarchy.
- Tackling Socio-Cultural Barriers: A societal shift in attitudes toward women in leadership is crucial. This involves not only challenging patriarchal norms but also promoting education and awareness campaigns that encourage families to support women in their political ambitions.
- Providing Financial Support: The government and civil society should work together to offer financial support, training, and resources to women who wish to run for political office. Addressing the economic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in politics is crucial to fostering a more inclusive democratic process.
Conclusion
India has made undeniable progress in advancing women’s political representation, particularly at the grassroots level. However, achieving true gender parity in political leadership will require addressing the deep-seated social, economic, and cultural challenges that women continue to face. As the country moves forward, the role of women in shaping its political future cannot be underestimated. Empower women to take on leadership roles will not only strengthen democracy but also ensure more inclusive and equitable governance.