How Far Have Women Representation Really Come In Indian Politics?

India, as one of the largest democracies globally, stands at the forefront of gender representation in politics. With the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, the nation embarked on a journey toward gender parity within its legislative bodies. This bill, introduced in Lok Sabha on September 19, 2023, aims to reserve one-third of all seats for women in both Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, signaling a pivotal step towards addressing gender imbalances in political representation. With the enactment of this law, lawmakers and advocates anticipate a transformative shift akin to the positive outcomes witnessed in village councils, where a similar quota has been in place for three decades.

Currently, a mere 13% of parliamentary seats are occupied by women, a statistic that shows the imperative for proactive measures to rectify this imbalance.

According to data presented by the Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha on December 9, 2022, before the passage of the women reservation bill, women made up less than 10 percent of state legislatures.According to the data, the percentage of women MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is 14.94% and 14.05%, respectively. However, the average number of women MLAs in assemblies across the nation accounts for only 8%.

Evolution of Women's Representation in Indian Parliament

Over the decades, India's politics have witnessed notable shifts in the participation of women in its highest legislative body, the Lok Sabha. From its inception, where women occupied a mere 5% of seats in the first Lok Sabha, to the current session, where their representation has surged to 15%, there has been a discernible, albeit gradual, progression.

Over the years, efforts have been made to make sure women have a voice and power in government. One important step was the Women's Reservation Bill. It was introduced back in 1996 but didn't pass until 2010 in the Rajya Sabha. Unfortunately, it didn't become law before the 15th Lok Sabha ended. But now, thanks to the persistence and advocacy of many, the bill has finally succeeded. Notably, this legislative intervention seeks to address the glaring gender disparity prevalent in Indian politics, where women remain significantly underrepresented.

However, juxtaposed against global benchmarks, India still trails behind nations like Sweden, Norway, and South Africa, which boast over 45% female representation in their national legislatures. Japan, at 10%, serves as a pertinent reminder of the work that remains to be done to bridge this gender gap effectively.

Gender Dynamics Across Political Parties

Delving deeper into the dynamics within political parties, a nuanced picture emerges regarding women's representation. Analysis reveals that while 15% of Lok Sabha MPs and 13% of Rajya Sabha MPs are women, certain parties exhibit a more pronounced commitment to gender inclusivity. For instance, parties like the BJD and TMC stand out, with 42% and 39% of their Lok Sabha MPs being women, respectively. Similarly, in Rajya Sabha, the INC sees 17% of its MPs being women, indicating varying degrees of progress across different political factions.

Notably, both the TMC and BJD emerge as frontrunners in fielding a higher proportion of female candidates. Furthermore, the data suggests that across parties with 10 or more MPs, women are as likely to win as their male counterparts, dispelling any notions of inherent electoral biases. However, at the state level, challenges persist, with no state boasting more than 20% female representation in its assembly. States like Chhattisgarh lead the way with 18% women MLAs, while others, like Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram, grapple with significantly lower figures, indicating the need for concerted efforts to address regional disparities.

Beyond numerical representation, assessing the active participation of legislators is crucial in gauging the efficacy of gender-inclusive policies. Encouragingly, data reveals that both men and women legislators exhibit commendable attendance rates, with over 75% attendance recorded in Lok Sabha sessions. Furthermore, the absence of significant disparities in educational qualifications between male and female legislators reinforces the notion that meritocracy remains a guiding principle in India's politics.

The Current Scenario Of India's Lower House

With 78 elected female Members of Parliament (MPs) out of a total of 543 seats, women constitute a modest 14.36% of the legislative body. While this figure signifies progress, it also highlights the pressing need for enhanced female representation within the corridors of power. Drawing from the successful model of village councils, where female representatives have championed inclusive policies, there exists a compelling precedent for harnessing the potential of women in decision-making roles.

While male counterparts often prioritize conventional domains such as defense and finance, female representatives exhibit a commendable focus on issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. Beyond the corridors of power, the ripple effects of women's representation extend to grassroots levels, particularly in conservative rural settings. Female policymakers serve as conduits for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and addressing entrenched socio-economic disparities.

While the passage of the Women Reservartion Bill heralds a momentous victory for gender equality advocates, the journey towards its effective implementation presents formidable challenges. Delays stemming from the completion of the population census and the delineation of political constituencies threaten to prolong the realization of its intended outcomes. Critics caution that without concrete timelines for these  processes, the transformative potential of the law may remain unrealized for years to come.

A Global Overview: Representation in the Lower Houses of 10 Democracies

United States of America

In the United States, the representation of women in Congress has seen gradual but steady progress over the years. With 144 women serving in the 117th Congress, including 48 Senators and 96 Representatives, the nation has witnessed a notable stride towards gender parity in legislative bodies. However, disparities persist, reflecting the multifaceted challenges inherent in achieving equitable political representation.

United Kingdom

Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom grapples with its own dynamics of women's representation in Parliament. Despite notable strides, including the election of the first female Prime Minister, the gender gap in political leadership remains evident. As of the latest data, women constitute approximately 34% of Members of Parliament (MPs), signaling progress tempered by persisting disparities.

Germany

In Germany, renowned for its robust democratic framework, the Bundestag reflects a commendable level of women's representation. With women occupying nearly 31% of parliamentary seats, the nation exemplifies concerted efforts towards fostering inclusive political environments.

France

France, heralded for its revolutionary ethos, grapples with the nuances of gender representation in its political landscape. Despite historic milestones, including the election of the first female president, women's participation in the National Assembly hovers around 39%, indicative of strides made amidst enduring challenges.

Canada

In the Canadian context, efforts towards bolstering women's representation in Parliament have yielded tangible outcomes. With women comprising 29% of parliamentary seats, Canada exemplifies a promising approach towards fostering inclusive political structures.

Australia

Down under, Australia navigates the complexities of gender representation in its parliamentary framework. With women occupying 31% of parliamentary seats, the nation showcases commendable progress towards fostering inclusive political landscapes

Japan

In Japan, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, the landscape of women's representation in Parliament reflects nuanced dynamics. With women constituting approximately 10% of parliamentary seats, the nation grapples with entrenched societal norms that impede equitable political participation. 

South Africa

South Africa, known for its democracy on the African continent, confronts the imperatives of women's representation in its parliamentary structures. With women comprising 46% of parliamentary seats, the nation showcases commendable progress towards fostering gender-inclusive political environments. 

Brazil

In Brazil, the largest democracy in Latin America, the landscape of women's representation in Parliament reflects evolving dynamics. With women occupying 15% of parliamentary seats, the nation struggles with systemic barriers that inhibit equitable political participation. 

Sweden

In Sweden, celebrated for its progressive social policies, the landscape of women's representation in Parliament reflects commendable strides towards gender equity. With women comprising 47% of parliamentary seats, the nation showcases a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive political structures. 

While legislative milestones pave the way for the progress of female politicians in India, the true litmus test lies in the effective translation of policies into tangible outcomes for women across socioeconomic strata.