Mains Marathon 2024

Approach Briefly introduce the Women Reservation Act, 2023. Explain the key provisions of the Act. Mention how it can empower women and enhance diversity in policymaking. Challenges in Realizing the Full Potential: Suggest measures for Fostering an Inclusive and Equitable Political Landscape for Women in India. Conclude Suitably

Introduction

The Women Reservation Act, 2023, mandates the reservation of 33% of seats for women in Parliament and state legislatures. This landmark legislation aims to enhance female representation and promote gender equality in Indian politics.

Body

Key provisions of the Act :

• Reservation for Women: The Act reserves, as nearly as may be, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and state legislatures.
• Commencement of Reservation: The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published. Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women. The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament.
• Rotation of Seats: Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament.

Significance of the Women Reservation Act, 2023

• Enhance Female Participation: By reserving 33% of seats, it ensures that more women will have the opportunity to participate in the political process.
  • 74 MPs (14%) elected to the 18th Lok Sabha are women. This is marginally lower than in 2019, when 78 women were elected.
• Diversify Policy Perspectives: Women’s issues and perspectives will be more prominently considered in policy making, leading to comprehensive and inclusive legislation.
  • For instance, increased female representation in local bodies through the 73rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendments has resulted in greater focus on issues like sanitation, health, and education.
• Empowerment: The Act empowers women by providing them with a platform to voice their concerns and contribute to governance.
  • For example, in states like Bihar, where women have 50% reservation in Panchayats, there has been a noticeable increase in women's active participation in local governance.
• Role Models: Increased visibility of women in politics can inspire and encourage younger generations to aspire for leadership roles.
  • This was evident in the case of women leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Sushma Swaraj, who have inspired many young women.

Challenges in Realizing the Full Potential

• Will come into effect after the Delimitation:
  • The reservation shall come into effect only after delimitation is undertaken and delimitation will be undertaken only after the relevant figures of the next census are published.
• OBC Issue with the Act:
  • The women's reservation Act, which reserves 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, does not include a quota for women from the OBCs.
  • OBCs who constitute 41% of the population (as per the 2011 census) are inadequately represented in the Lok Sabha, State Legislatures and Local governments.
• Patriarchal Norms:
  • Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes can hinder the effectiveness of the Act. Women may face resistance from within their families and communities when stepping into political roles.
  • For instance, many elected women representatives in Panchayats face challenges in asserting their authority due to societal expectations.
• Tokenism:
  • There is a risk that women may be elected as mere tokens, without real power or influence, undermining the true spirit of the Act.
  • Sarpanchpatiism refers to the practice where the husband or male relative of a woman elected as a Sarpanch (village head) unofficially assumes the role and responsibilities of the elected female representative
• Internal Party Dynamics:
  • Women candidates may face opposition within political parties, where male-dominated hierarchies could limit their opportunities and growth.
  • A notable example is the limited number of women candidates fielded by major political parties in general elections.
• Financial Barriers: Campaigning for elections is expensive, and women often have less access to financial resources compared to their male counterparts.
  • Fewer women candidates receive significant funding and support during elections.

Measures for Fostering an Inclusive and Equitable Political Landscape

Legal and Structural Reforms

• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Ensure that the provisions of the Women's Reservation Act are strictly implemented and monitored.
• Financial Support: Provide financial assistance and subsidies for women candidates to help them run effective election campaigns

Political Reforms

• Capacity Building Programs: Implement training programs to equip women politicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively. NGOs like PRS Legislative Research and the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj offer training for women representatives.
• Mentorship and Support Networks: Establish mentorship programs where experienced women leaders can guide and support new entrants in the political field.

Societal Reforms

• Strengthen Independent Decision Making: Establish an independent monitoring system or committees that explicitly prohibits family members from influencing the decision making process of women representatives.
• Increasing Awareness and Education: Creating awareness among women about their rights and the importance of their participation in politics is essential. Educational programs and awareness campaigns can help to increase women's political participation.

Conclusion

The Women Reservation Act, 2023, is undoubtedly a beacon of hope for advancing gender equality in India's political landscape. However, realizing its full potential requires addressing the societal, political, and structural challenges that women face. Through comprehensive efforts encompassing societal reforms, political training, and robust legal support, India can foster a more inclusive and equitable political environment where women can truly thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress.