"A governmental structure that doesn't represent its constituents is a failed one."
Without equal participation of women, no governance model can claim to represent the population, which includes women. Women from the elite classes since long ago, who wanted to play some role in public life realized the hurdles in their way. Women’s participation in the economic and political spheres must be promoted. There are many pro-women laws and policies in different countries, but they are not enforced.
Around the world women still face disproportionate discrimination and violence and women are still not granted equal political participation. It is an undeniable fact that the role women play in our society is indispensable. But the role society plays in the lives of women is far from obligated. Thus, the emergence of women in the public sphere, especially in the politics, despite the unyielding circumstances and oppressive nature of our society, is particularly impressive. Today, women have come a long way from being the ‘damsel in distresses’ to prominent places in legislatures all over the country.
Party Manifestos generally include a ‘women empowerment’ section which is fairly perfunctory and serves best to remind us that the work of gender sensitization of the political class is itself a distant dream.
By and large, promises made reinforce existing patriarchal roles and relationships. Cash gifts on the birth of girls, wedding assistance and widow’s pensions are common. Job reservations are promised in the government sector but party nominations for the elections show no interest in gender inclusiveness.
This is a pathetic tally for a country whose million mutinies feature countless women and where electoral democracy has been around for at least seven decades.
There are constituencies where women outnumber men. Nevertheless, there are hardly any women nominees. Leading male politicians routinely make cringe-worthy statements; among them express outrage after reports of gender-based violence on various platforms and speaking of the need to protect “our” women and children, “our” mothers and sisters. Even in parties headed by women, women are rarely humans or citizens in their own right.
Will a Women’s Reservation Bill make a difference to this situation?
It cannot be attained unless women come forward in Electoral Politics. A lot needs to be worked on...What matters is that the work of making the quota redundant should commence even as the quota comes into force. We have failed to do this with every kind of reservation so far, but it is never too late to learn.
The challenge is to sustain our own engagement with the political process and the political class year-in and out. India has about 65 million missing female voters. That's 20% of the electorate.
It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer. It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent... self-care is a revolutionary act. It is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself to actively care for your mental & physical well-being every day. This is how you can develop the confidence to come into the political scenario. Women’s Reservation Bill can be implemented in it’s true form only when Women start participating in Active politics