- Prelims: National Perspective Plan for Women (1988), Panchayati Raj Act, women reservation bill etc
- Mains GS Paper I and II: Vulnerable sections of society, Laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of society etc
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
- 75 years after Independence, Parliament lacks substantial representation from the women population, with women holding just 14% of the seats.
INSIGHTS ON THE ISSUE
Context
Role played by the Women:
- Women played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence, by organizing demonstrations, leading rallies, and raising awareness.
- There were numerous female representatives in the Constituent Assembly.
- Three of India’s largest States, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, were in the spotlight for being led by women Chief Ministers.
- Sushma Swaraj led the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi served as both President of the Congress Party and Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance.
- India had its first woman President, Pratibha Patil around the same time.
Background of women reservation bill:
- Originated from the pre-Independence era when several women’s organizations demanded political representation for women.
- In 1955: government appointed committee recommended that 10% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies should be reserved for women.
- In the 1980s: demand for women’s reservations gained momentum.
- The National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) recommended that 30% of seats in all elected bodies should be reserved for women.
- This recommendation was reiterated in the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, which was adopted in 2001.
- The Panchayati Raj Act(1993) was amended to reserve 33% of all seats in local government bodies for women
- In 1996, the Women’s Reservation Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
- The Bill proposed to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative Assemblies for women.
- Facing strong opposition from some political parties it lapsed.
- It gained more momentum again in the early 2000s.
- In 2010, the Bill was approved in the Rajya Sabha.
Global examples
- The Scandinavian countries have implemented policies and governance structures that support gender equality and women’s empowerment
- includes women’s representation in political and leadership positions.
- Countries led by women have shown to have some of the best policies and governance practices. Example: New Zealand.
- The deep scars in Rwanda(a central African nation)from the genocide, are being healed by predominantly a leadership that comprises women.
- It has resulted in key social reforms.
- Norway implemented a quota system in 2003 that required 40% of seats on corporate boards to be occupied by women.
Way Forward
- It is time to acknowledge the systematic exclusion of women from politics and demand action to create a more equitable political landscape.
- B R Ambedkar: The progress of a community can be measured by the degree of progress which women have achieved.
- But we are still far away from that benchmark.
- Women’s leadership qualities are not hidden from anyone, so the denial of opportunity for political representation represents grave injustice.
- As India is still struggling to provide basic health care and education, necessary for the dignified life of citizens, must now let women take charge of the task of transforming India.
- As India strives to become a Vishwa Guru, we must not overlook the pivotal role women can play in nation building and development.
- Much would depend on the tooth-to-tail ratio of any organization.
- When the number of women in leadership positions is enough.
- It generates confidence in subordinate women.
- When the number of women in leadership positions is enough.
QUESTION FOR PRACTICE
Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.(UPSC 2021) (200 WORDS, 10 MARKS)
