Why Women's Reservation Bill Is A Step Towards Empowering Bhartiya Nari?

The Women's Reservation Bill's turbulent legislative history began 27 years ago, in September 1996, when the H. D. Deve Gowda-led administration introduced it in Parliament. Since then, nearly every administration has tried to ratify it; in fact, the UPA administration was successful in doing so in the Rajya Sabha in 2010.

The effort failed due to a lack of political will and consensus, but twenty-seven years later, on September 20, the bill to modify the Constitution and give women a one-third reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies was passed in the Lok Sabha with nearly unanimous support.  

Though there have been talks around the bill being a strategic move by Modi Sarkar before the 2024 elections, it is important for us as citizens of this country to understand WHY women’s participation is needed and how it can pave the way towards the road to equality.  

Since women make up around 50% of the population, their active involvement in politics helps to increase the population's representation in the government. Women are more likely to have their distinct viewpoints and goals taken into consideration when they participate in decision-making processes. The advancement of gender equality in our country will depend on women's political engagement.

The bill sends a strong message that women have equal access to leadership positions in society and the same opportunities as men. This will aid in challenging ingrained gender preconceptions and conventions.

Women frequently approach political issues from various angles. Through their participation, legislation and policies that better address problems like gender-based violence, women's health, education, and economic empowerment may be created.

The Bill as a Social Change

Women in politics may act as role models for other women and girls and encourage them to get involved in politics. They can help dismantle obstacles and inspire more women to engage in public life, not just in politics but in all areas of society. Politically active women are better able to address and combat gender-based violence because they can push for more favourable laws and regulations and strive to alter cultural attitudes that support violence against women.

Nari Shakti in politics may aid in holding governments responsible for their deeds, particularly when it comes to matters that have an impact on women's lives. They may push for accountability and openness in the government, ensuring that resources are allocated properly and equally. More inclusive and balanced policies may be produced by a broad group of decision-makers, including women. Women's participation will result in more comprehensive answers to complicated issues and lower the possibility of policies that unfairly disadvantage one gender or community.

The bill will influence the development and implementation of laws that defend women's rights, such as those that prohibit domestic abuse and discrimination and women who are politically engaged are more likely to support laws that support women's economic empowerment, such as granting them access to jobs and higher education, which can help the economy as a whole.

Women's political engagement is becoming increasingly important, and this bill will prove to be a breakthrough to expand their representation in legislative bodies and decision-making positions in India as well as many other nations. However, there are still big obstacles to overcome, delimitation, implementation and quota within quota but this is a critical first step towards gender equality and socioeconomic advancement in India. 

Views expressed by the author are their own

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