Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Political representation, at its core, is the act of having one’s interests and concerns voiced and considered in the decision-making processes of governance. While traditionally understood through the lens of electoral politics, it encompasses broader notions of inclusivity and equity. Adequate representation of women in political institutions is not merely a matter of numerical parity, but a fundamental prerequisite for a just and equitable society. Globally, women remain underrepresented in political spheres, despite comprising roughly half the world’s population. This underrepresentation perpetuates systemic inequalities and hinders the realization of inclusive governance, particularly in a country like India with its complex socio-political landscape.
The Imperative of Women’s Representation
The importance of adequate representation of women in political institutions stems from several interconnected factors:
1. Justice and Equality
- Substantive Equality: Beyond formal legal equality, women face systemic barriers – social, economic, and cultural – that limit their political participation. Representation ensures their voices are heard in shaping policies that directly affect their lives.
- Correcting Historical Disadvantage: Historically, women have been excluded from political processes. Representation is a crucial step towards rectifying this historical injustice.
- Intersectionality: Women from marginalized communities (Dalits, Adivasis, minorities) face compounded disadvantages. Their representation is vital to address their specific needs and concerns.
2. Enhanced Governance and Policy Outcomes
- Broader Perspective: Women bring diverse perspectives and experiences to policymaking, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions. Research suggests that parliaments with higher female representation tend to prioritize issues like healthcare, education, and family welfare.
- Reduced Corruption: Some studies indicate a correlation between increased female representation and lower levels of corruption. (World Bank, 2011).
- Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution: Women’s participation in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction is linked to more sustainable peace agreements.
3. Addressing Systemic Biases
- Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Women in positions of power challenge traditional gender roles and inspire future generations.
- Promoting Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Increased representation can lead to greater scrutiny of budgets to ensure they address the specific needs of women and girls.
- Legislating for Women’s Rights: Women legislators are more likely to champion legislation related to gender equality, such as laws against domestic violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
4. The Indian Context: Challenges and Progress
India has made some progress in reserving seats for women at the local level (Panchayats and Municipalities) through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts (1992). However, the Women’s Reservation Bill, seeking to reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, remains stalled despite repeated attempts.
| Level of Governance | Women’s Representation (Approx. - 2023) |
|---|---|
| Lok Sabha (Lower House) | ~15% |
| Rajya Sabha (Upper House) | ~14% |
| State Legislative Assemblies (Average) | ~9% |
| Panchayats (Local Bodies) | >44% (due to reservations) |
The low representation in the national and state legislatures highlights the persistent challenges, including patriarchal attitudes, lack of financial resources, and limited access to political networks.
Conclusion
Adequate representation of women in political institutions is not simply a matter of fairness; it is a fundamental requirement for good governance, social justice, and sustainable development. While reservations are a crucial tool, a holistic approach is needed, encompassing measures to address systemic biases, empower women economically and socially, and promote their political leadership. The continued delay in enacting the Women’s Reservation Bill is a significant setback, and its passage is essential to realizing the full potential of India’s democracy and ensuring a more inclusive and equitable future.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.