Role and significance of women in Indian politics

Role and significance of women in Indian politics

Introduction

Women are becoming more and more important in Indian politics. They have a big impact on policy, increase democratic involvement, and drive social change, even though there are still problems. Their importance comes from the fact that more and more of them are voting, running for office, being organizers, and becoming leaders at all levels, from local self-government to Parliament.

Role of Women in Indian Politics

• Voters and Mobilizers: Women’s voter turnout has seen impressive growth, reaching over 65% in recent national elections. Political parties now actively target “women’s votes,” recognizing their importance in electoral outcomes.
• Legislative Representation: Women constitute about 14% of Lok Sabha members and 9% in state assemblies. Although low by global standards, these numbers are increasing steadily.
• Leaders and Ministers: Women have held top roles—Prime Minister (Indira Gandhi), Chief Ministers, union and state cabinet ministers, demonstrating competence in governance, diplomacy, and policy.
• Grassroots Leadership: In local self-government, reservation policies (one-third seats in Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, many states with 50% reservations) have resulted in women comprising up to 44% of grassroots representatives, empowering millions across India.

Significance

• Deepening Democracy: Women’s presence broadens the perspectives in decision-making, promotes inclusive policies—especially in health, education, and welfare—and strengthens democratic functioning.
• Empowerment and Social Change: Women leaders challenge patriarchal norms, drive gender-sensitive reforms, and serve as role models, inspiring new generations to engage in politics and advocacy.
• Enhanced Representation: Parliamentary debates and legislation increasingly address issues central to women—such as safety, health, education, and legal rights—because of women’s active representation.
• International Commitments: India is a signatory to global conventions (CEDAW, Beijing Declaration) and continues to align domestic policy with global gender equality goals.

Key Developments

• Women’s Reservation (106th Amendment, 2023): The Women’s Reservation Act reserves 33% seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, further advancing representation (to be implemented after the next census).
• Capacity-building Initiatives: Training, leadership programs, and “pink booths” during elections foster participation and skill development.
• Empowerment through SHGs: Over 10 crore women in Self Help Groups are transforming rural economies, gaining economic and political clout.

Challenges

• Gender Discrimination & Violence: Social norms, patriarchal attitudes, violence, and resource limitations still hinder women’s full participation in politics.
• Underrepresentation: Despite progress, women’s share in higher legislative bodies remains low; effective implementation of reservation policies is needed.

Data at a Glance

Women are thus central to India’s political future—as voters, representatives, leaders, and agents of change—with their role and importance set to increase further with meaningful policy reforms and societal support.