Importance of political representation of women

 -Ria Nisar

In 2010, the topic of the promise of greater representation of Indian women in the political landscape was restarted. A bill proposed to amend the Constitution of India to reserve 1/3rd of all seats in the Lower house of Parliament of India, the Lok Sabha, and in all state legislative assemblies for women. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha, however, after four years it lapsed since it was still pending in the Lok Sabha. That raised a bewildering question, is 33% reservation enough for a gender that represents more than 40% of the population of India?

Gross Underrepresentation of Women in Power

India ranks 20th from the bottom in terms of representation of women in Parliament. At present, there are 79 female legislators in the Lok Sabha (i.e. a 14% representation) and 26 in the Rajya Sabha (i.e. 11% representation). The numbers narrate a sorry tale. India is the biggest democracy in the world. Or, so they say and everyone hears. A reality check will help us understand the skewed gender representation. Barring four states, none of the country’s state assemblies has more than 10% women.

Why do Indian women shy away from politics?

The Global Gender Gap Index published by the World Economic Forum in 2021, ranks India 140th among 156 countries. Women in the country are still afraid to contest elections. The very fabric of the society is rife with the patriarchal mindset and conservative thinking. Women are yet pictured as child-bearers and caretakers of the family. When women express a desire to partake in politics, their wings are automatically clipped and numerous family responsibilities are thrust upon them. The societal value system also encourages them not to give them financial support to pursue their wishes.

The financial dependency on men has alienated women and discouraged them to have their own autonomous and independent thinking. Very few women in India choose politics to be the profession of their choice but no, it’s not because of any ‘’ambition gap’’, it can be credited to the systematic flaw in our political sphere where women are victims of sexism and always sidelined. Despite their tall claims about women empowerment and gender equality, which happen mostly around election times, political parties are hesitant to fund women. Seen as a mere ornamental presence, women are not deemed as worthy opponents.

Political training for women is also absent from the country. In many areas, women are in tune with the belief that politics is only meant for men. An agenda, propagated by misogynist men nonetheless. Sexual harassment and intimidation are also one of the many reasons women shy away from politics. For a few women, who fight against all odds and have been successful at claiming their seats at the table, it’s not been an easy journey. From constantly being the subject of lewd comments and derogatory remarks, men have been liberal while attacking them with gender slurs. The failure to take their words seriously and give them the credit they deserve is a perpetual problem. 

A study published by Amnesty International, states that Indian female politicians on Twitter are constantly being harassed. In this 21st century world, people have taken a 19th-century outlook towards social media wherein comments about women leaders’ taste, appearance, clothing are circulated day in and day out. This deters them from applying for re-election even in the presence of a no term limit. 

Why does representation matter?

Since women have been treated as a neglected bunch, they have survived the brunt of unevenness, financial trustworthiness, oppression, and distinct social evils. Residing under the shackles of enslavement, women need to spearhead prominent positions in the community since they work more holistically and have a self-reflective approach towards life. Studies and experts agree that a lack of political participation by women has an impact on policy framing and diversity in decision making. The representation will ensure tangible gains for democracy, a better and sustainable future, cooperation amongst minority communities, and a greater rate of responsiveness to issues.

There is also strong evidence that as more women are elected to office, there is a corollary increase in policymaking that emphasizes quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, and ethnic and racial minorities. It will also lead to lesser crimes against women and the holistic development of the community. Seeing women in power will make women all over the country feel secure and instil in them the drive to achieve greater things in life.

Women leaders will bring skills, different perspectives, and innovative ideas to the table, but these three combined will help create new perspectives that lead to better decision-making. A meta-analysis comparing male and female leaders identified female leaders as more transformational. They demonstrated more contingent reward behavior than the two-dimensional actions (active and passive management) presented by male leadership.

International women dominating the political space

Rwanda, an East African country is at the forefront with 61% of its parliamentary seats being occupied by women. Recently, when  Kamala Harris, a woman of Indian origin was elected Vice President of the United States of America, it sent a surge of pride throughout the country.

Currently, when the entire world is grappling for breath and praying for a miracle to eradicate the deadly Covid pandemic, women leaders are at the helm of their institution, carrying out effective and inclusive responses from the highest level of governance to front line service delivery. Countries with women who are heads of state such as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, New Zealand, Germany and Slovakia are lauded for their effective policy-making against the virus. From formulating health strategies and unifying the country around a comprehensive response with transparent and compassionate communication, they have done it all. The Netherlands has also created history with 50% women representation as makers of its brand new government. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden’s response to the pandemic has been exemplary. Being the youngest female prime minister of the country, she has proved herself by mapping out various beneficial schemes and is also creating a Government where its members belong to the LGBTQIA community as well as electing those who belong to the minority clan. 

Indian female leaders leading the charge

While there are many hurdles to cross, some female leaders have inspired the entire nation. Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister has been instrumental in shaping up the future of the country. Named as the ‘Women of the Millennium’ in an online poll organized by BBC, she is truly the ‘Iron Lady’ who has many magnificent accomplishments under her belt. Late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha, was one of India’s most influential politicians. Lovingly called ‘amma’, she was empathetic towards the poor and worked for their upliftment. Mamta Banerjee, West Bengal's first woman Chief Minister is adored by all for her rigorous policy-making and Sushma Swaraj’s round the clock responses to those abroad and her fiery speeches, have dubbed her as India’s ‘favourite minister’ during the India's PM Narendra Modi Government’s first tenure.

All the aforementioned women exemplify glory and success and have been crucial for the welfare of the nation.

Not only The Present but The future is female. 

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#Kamala Harris #Indira Gandhi #womeninpolitics #GlobalGenderGap #SushmaSwaraj #Jacinda Arden #India