Women representation in governance clearly means the presence and participation of women in political and decision-making processes at all levels of government. An overview of the concept include: a. Political Representation: Elected Offices: Women serving as members of parliament, city councillors, and other elected bodies. Executive Roles: Women holding positions such as president, prime minister, governor, mayor, and ministers in the cabinet. b. Participation in Decision-Making: Women being actively involved in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies and laws. Participation in advisory and consultative bodies, committees, and boards that influence public policy and governance. c. Equal Opportunities: Ensuring that women have the same opportunities as men to run for office, participate in political activities, and hold leadership positions. Addressing structural barriers, such as discrimination, lack of access to resources, and societal norms that hinder women’s political participation. d. Promoting Gender Equality: Achieving gender balance in governance is a key component of overall gender equality. Women representation helps challenge and change patriarchal structures and norms. e. Diverse Perspectives: Women bring unique experiences and perspectives to governance, which can lead to more comprehensive and inclusive policies. Issues particularly affecting women and children, such as healthcare, education, and family welfare, are more likely to be prioritized. f. Better Governance: Diverse leadership often results in more transparent, accountable, and responsive governance. Studies indicate that higher women representation correlates with lower levels of corruption and improved trust in public institutions. g. Role Models: Women in leadership positions serve as role models, inspiring other women and girls to pursue careers in politics and leadership. Their presence can shift societal attitudes towards women’s capabilities and roles in society. h. Social and Economic Development: Inclusive governance can lead to policies that support social and economic development, benefiting society as a whole. Women’s economic empowerment and participation in governance are linked to broader economic growth and development. In nutshell, women representation in governance is crucial for achieving gender equality, improving governance, and fostering social and economic development. Efforts to enhance women’s participation in political and decision-making processes are essential for creating inclusive and equitable societies.
Causes of underrepresentation
The primary causes of underrepresentation of women in governance include: a. Traditional Gender Roles: Societal norms often dictate that women should prioritize family and domestic responsibilities over public and political roles. Cultural expectations may discourage women from pursuing careers in politics. b. Gender Stereotypes: Persistent stereotypes about women’s capabilities and roles can undermine their confidence and deter them from entering politics. Women may be perceived as less competent or less suitable for leadership roles. c. Socialization and Education: From a young age, girls may not be encouraged to develop leadership skills or pursue political ambitions. Education systems may lack gender-sensitive curricula that promote gender equality and leadership among girls. d. Financial Constraints: Women often have less access to financial resources needed for political campaigns. The cost of running for office can be prohibitive, especially for women who may already face economic disadvantages. e. Economic Inequality: Women generally earn less than men and may have less economic independence, limiting their ability to engage in political activities. Economic dependence on male family members can restrict women’s freedom to participate in politics. f. Political Party Structures: Political parties may be male-dominated and resistant to promoting women candidates. Lack of internal party policies supporting gender equality can hinder women’s political advancement. g. Self-Perception: Women may lack confidence in their abilities to run for office due to internalized societal messages. Fear of failure and public scrutiny can deter women from entering politics. h. Public Perception: Voters may have biases against women candidates, perceiving them as less capable or less serious. Media portrayal of women politicians can be biased, focusing on personal attributes rather than political competence. i. Political Instability and Conflict: In regions experiencing political instability or conflict, women may be disproportionately affected and less able to participate in governance. Post-conflict reconstruction efforts often prioritize men, side-lining women’s contributions and leadership. j. Patriarchal Political Systems: Political systems rooted in patriarchal values may systematically exclude women from decision-making processes. Resistance to change within established political institutions. In the context, efforts must focus on changing societal attitudes, implementing supportive policies, providing economic resources, and ensuring legal protections to create an enabling environment for women’s political participation and leadership.
Status in India
Women’s representation in governance in India has seen gradual progress, but significant challenges remain. a. Representation in Legislative Bodies: Parliament: As of 2024, women hold around 14.4% of the seats in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and 11.6% in the Rajya Sabha (upper house). This representation is relatively low compared to the global average and significantly lower than the desired 33% representation. State Legislatures: Women’s representation varies significantly across state assemblies, generally ranging from 5% to 14%. Some states like West Bengal and Odisha have higher representation, while others lag behind. Panchayati Raj Institutions: At the grassroots level, women’s representation is more substantial due to the implementation of a 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (village, intermediate, and district level councils). Some states have voluntarily increased this reservation to 50%, resulting in significant female participation in local governance. Key Achievements: Constitutional and Legal Provisions: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments mandated a 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies, significantly enhancing women’s participation at the local level. The Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve 33% of seats in Parliament and state legislatures for women, has been proposed but has not yet been passed. Increased Awareness and Advocacy: There has been growing advocacy for gender equality and women’s political participation by civil society organizations, media, and various stakeholders. Initiatives and campaigns have been launched to encourage and support women to run for political office. Challenges and Barriers: Socio-Cultural Barriers: Traditional gender roles and patriarchal norms continue to restrict women’s participation in politics. Women face societal pressure to prioritize family responsibilities over political careers. Economic Barriers: Women often lack the financial resources needed for campaigning and political activities. Economic dependence on male family members can limit their ability to engage in politics. Political Party Dynamics: Political parties are often reluctant to nominate women candidates, citing winnability as a concern. Internal party structures and decision-making processes are male-dominated, hindering women’s political advancement. Violence and Harassment: Women in politics frequently face gender-based violence, harassment, and intimidation. Inadequate legal protections and enforcement mechanisms to address these issues. In nutshell, India has made notable progress in enhancing women’s representation in governance, particularly at the local level, significant challenges remain at higher levels of government. Addressing socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers through comprehensive policies and sustained advocacy is crucial for achieving gender parity in political representation and fostering inclusive governance.