Political Empowerment of Women

General Studies Paper -1

Context: Women’s political empowerment will enhance governance and boost the economy, as per 2023 UNDP report.

Political Empowerment

• Political empowerment refers to women’s increased capacity to influence and participate in decision-making processes at all levels of political life.
• It is a crucial element of achieving gender equality and building a just and equitable society.

Current status

• In the Global Gender Gap Report 2023,India has achieved an overall rank of 127 out of the 146 countries and in the political empowerment front, India’s rank is
• In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, there were only 719 women contestants,9% of the total, and 78 won, making up under 14.4% of all seat winners, a proportion that is below the South Asian average of 18.9% (World Bank).
• In India, only 10.5% of all Members of Parliament in 2021 were women, while state assembly representation stands at an average of 9%.
• However, India’s electoral landscape is set for a transformative gender shift. Projections show that women’s voter turnout would exceed that of men by 2029 and reach 55% of the total by 2047.
• Five recent state elections saw well above 70% of eligible women voting. Rural gains stood out.
• Many social researchers specifically link these gains to India’s 33% reservation of seats in local representative bodies, as well as grassroots self-help group movements. 
• Some attribute it to the influence of development schemes that “recognize women’s agency.”

Benefits of Women Political Empowerment (WPE)

• Governance: As a 2023 UNDP report underscores, women’s political empowerment (WPE) leads to responsive and transparent governance, reduces risks of civil war and political violence, and breaks down gender stereotypes.
• Economic benefits:A recent data-analysis over an extended time-span (from 1830) across 182 countries has assessed that there have been clear differences in the annual GDP per capita growth rates between countries with low and high rates of WPE.
• A 2013 study found that WPE over a period of time can augment women’s presence in the economy, labour market and reduction in gender wage gaps.
• Innovation and growth:The same analysis showed, increased WPE also brings in technological change and innovation and growth, particularly in non-Western nations, with the infusion of new and efficient ideas into the economy.
• Multiplier effect:A regional study in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) estimated that a 10%-point increase in women’s representation in parliament is likely to yield a 0.74%-point rise in GDP growth.
• Sustainable Development Goals: A meta analysis of a global data-set (2015- 2019) said that increased WPE also contributes to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals.
• Better at role given: In India, a study revealed that “women legislators perform better in their constituencies on economic indicators than their male counterparts and are less likely to be criminal and corrupt, more efficacious, and less vulnerable to political opportunism” (Thushyanthan Baskaran, et al).
• Access to financial resources: A 2020 field study in 163 villages to evaluate the uptake of India’s rural jobs scheme where women helm local bodies found “it raised women’s demand for work and access to financial resources.”

Challenges

• Internalized patriarchy: Deep-rooted gender biases and discriminatory practices often limit women’s access to political opportunities and decision-making positions.
• Violence and Harassment: Women in politics face higher risks of violence, harassment, and intimidation, discouraging their participation.
• Lack of Support:Limited access to childcare, funding, and political networks can hinder women’s ability to campaign and run for office.
• Unequal Representation:Existing power structures and political systems often favor men, making it difficult for women to break through and win elections.
• Political parties often fight shy of fielding a fair share of women as contestants.
• Women who do get party tickets have family political connections, said a study. In 2019,41% of all women candidates and 30% of those who got elected were ‘dynasts.’
• Just a vote bank:The importance accorded to women is transactional i.e., a “your-vote-for-my-scheme approach.”

Strategies for Progress

• Quotas and Reserved Seats: Affirmative action policies, like reserving seats for women in legislatures, can increase their representation in the short term.
• The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023,which reserves one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies is a right step in this direction.
• Capacity Building and Training:Empowering women with political knowledge, skills, and leadership training can enhance their confidence and abilities in political leadership.
• Combating Gender-Based Violence: Robust legal frameworks and comprehensive measures are needed to prevent and address violence against women in politics.
• Raising Awareness and Advocacy: Public education and campaigns can challenge gender stereotypes and promote social and cultural change towards greater gender equality in politics.
• Supporting Women’s Organizations:Women’s organizations and networks play a crucial role in supporting female candidates, advocating for their rights, and holding governments accountable.

Way Ahead

• Thepursuit of gender equality in politics isn’t merely for justice and fair play, but foremost for a more stable and sustainable economy. Trends suggest that goal is almost 130 years away (UN Women).
• For accountable governance, be it in India or elsewhere, women must pitch in as voters, poll workers, candidates and lawmakers.