Women in Politics: India’s Uneven Journey

India, the world’s largest democracy, has an inclusive and progressive constitutional framework. Yet it continues to live with a deep gender gap in political representation. From the ancient period to the modern day, politics has largely remained a male-dominated space.

We do remember iconic women leaders like Rani Padmini, Razia Sultan, and Rani Durgavati, but they were exceptions in an otherwise patriarchal political structure. During the freedom struggle, this started to change. Rani Lakshmibai, Sarojini Naidu, Ahilya Bai Holkar, and Annie Besant became important political figures, showing what women could achieve when given space and support.

After independence, however, the numbers speak for themselves. In the first Lok Sabha (1952), women’s representation was only 4.41%. It rose to a little over 6% a decade later. Ironically, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, the most powerful woman in India’s political history, this figure dipped to around 4%.

In 2009, women’s representation in Parliament crossed the 10 % mark for the first time. In 2019, it peaked at 14.36 %, only to fall again to 13.63 % in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections (India Today).

When we look globally, the contrast is sharp: Rwanda stands at 61.25 %, UAE at 50 %, and Iceland at 47.62 %. India, despite being a mature democracy, is lagging far behind.

Why Is Women’s Representation So Low in India?

The reasons are not singular. They are social, structural, and political in nature, rooted in a patriarchal mindset and unequal opportunities.

1. Patriarchal Norms:

Women are still expected to prioritize household responsibilities. Without strong family support, entering or sustaining a career in politics becomes challenging.

2. Persistent Stereotypes:

Women leaders often face doubts over their leadership capabilities, decision-making skills, and even their credibility as political representatives.

3. Financial Barriers:

Contesting elections in India is expensive. Women have less access to networks, funding, and party support, which limits their chances.

4. Criminalisation and Intimidation in Politics:

The criminalisation of politics creates an unsafe environment for women. Male dominance and power play push many women to contest only reserved seats.

5. Structural Constraints:

Women carry a disproportionate share of caregiving and domestic work. Politics demands extensive time, travel, and public exposure, which is difficult to balance with such responsibilities.

6. Education and Awareness Gaps:

Gender disparities in education and limited political awareness, even among educated urban women, keep many from engaging actively in public life.

India’s Demographic Reality: A Strong Case for Change

India’s sex ratio, according to Census 2011, is 943 women per 1,000 men (MOSPI). In rural areas, it is 949, and in urban areas, 929.

This means nearly half of India’s population is women. Political systems that do not reflect this demographic reality are inherently imbalanced. Increasing women’s political participation is not a favour; it is democratic justice.

What Happens When Women Participate More in Politics?

Raising women’s representation is not just symbolic. It brings real change in how governance works.

Gender-Sensitive Governance: Women in decision-making roles push for more inclusive and gender-equitable policies.
Breaking Patriarchal Dominance: Increased women’s participation in political parties and leadership roles can gradually dismantle the male monopoly in politics.
Focusing on Gender Issues: With more women in Parliament and Assemblies, issues like gender-based violence, healthcare, and education receive greater attention.
Improving Economic Performance: According to UN Women, constituencies led by women often show stronger development outcomes.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes: The more women lead, the less they will be boxed into labels like “just homemakers.”

Measures and Legal Instruments in India

India has introduced several constitutional, legislative, and institutional measures to increase women’s political participation.

Legislative Measures

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023): Passed to provide 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendments: Provide 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies.
Several states, like Bihar, have gone further by increasing this reservation to 50%.

Institutional and Procedural Reforms

In 1997, the Parliamentary Committee on the Empowerment of Women was formed.
In 2014, the Lok Sabha made its language gender-neutral by using “Chairperson” instead of “Chairman.”
Election Commission guidelines now also encourage political parties to give more tickets to women.

Constitutional Guarantees

Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law.
Article 46: Mandates protection of vulnerable groups against exploitation.
Article 243D: Mandates reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Despite these steps, the gap between law and reality remains wide. Representation is not increasing at the pace required.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Women’s Political Participation

Implement Reservations Effectively: The 33 % reservation law should translate into real leadership opportunities, not token representation.
Reform Political Parties: Parties must create internal quotas, mentorship programs, and funding support for women candidates.
Capacity Building and Political Education: Leadership and campaign training can help more women contest and win elections.
Financial Support Mechanisms: Special grants or funding models can ease the financial burden on women candidates.
Ensure Safety and Security: Political spaces must be made safer for women through legal and institutional safeguards.
Social Change and Awareness: True change will come only when gender roles are redefined in society. Education and media play a key role in this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is women’s representation in Indian politics so low?

A combination of patriarchal norms, stereotypes, financial barriers, lack of support, and structural inequalities keeps women from entering mainstream politics.

What is the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam?

It is the 2023 law passed by the Parliament of India that provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

How can more women in politics change governance?

Women bring gender-sensitive perspectives, focus on health, education, and equality, and challenge entrenched patriarchal norms — improving overall governance quality.

Which constitutional articles ensure women’s political participation?

Articles 14, 46, and 243D of the Indian Constitution provide for gender equality and reservation in local bodies.

Conclusion: From Numbers to Real Power

India cannot call itself a truly representative democracy without equal and meaningful women’s participation in politics. Laws and amendments are only the beginning. To close the gender gap in Indian politics, society must change its perceptions, parties must change their practices, and institutions must strengthen their support.

Empowering women politically means empowering half the nation. It is not an option; it is essential for a just, inclusive, and vibrant democracy.

References:

India Today. (2024). Women MPs in Parliament decreased in 2024 elections. Link
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). (2016). Women and Men in India Report. Link
PRS Legislative Research. (2023). The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act – Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Link
UN Women. (2022). Facts and Figures: Leadership and Political Participation. Link
Election Commission of India. (2024). Statistical Reports on General Elections. Link