India

A noteworthy trend is emerging in Indian democracy, where women are choosing to participate in the electoral process. As the percentage of women voters rises across India, it is yet to be seen how future elections will be impacted.

New Delhi: In recent times, virtually every political party in India has included a dedicated section in its election manifesto, pledging to engage and attract female voters. Does this signal a significant shift in Indian society?

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In what is arguably a significant step forward for women in politics, 2023 saw two important events: the passing of the Women's Reservation Bill, and an increase in women’s participation in the Assembly elections in various states. Not only are more women showing up to vote, but they're also playing a big role in deciding which political parties get support.

What numbers tell us

In any country, the political empowerment of women is generally possible with two routes — the first is to reserve seats for women in legislature by means of legislation and the second is to have provision for quotas for women candidates within political parties while nominating candidates. There are examples for both that have been adopted in various countries, in turn helping women’s political empowerment.

The Indian parliament passed a historic bill that necessitates the lower house of the parliament and the state legislatures to earmark one-third of their seats to women. In terms of women’s representation in politics, India ranks 141 out of 185, marking this reservation bill as a significant reform.

On 21 September, Indian legislators passed the first legislation considered in the country’s new Parliament building: the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023. The bill, which passed both houses of Parliament almost unanimously—with just two votes against—will ensure that women occupy at least 33 per cent of the seats in state legislative assemblies and the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference senior leader and Women's wing State President Shameema Firdous on Friday said that political accountability to women begins with increasing the number of women in decision-making positions. She said the party has been a pioneer in that direction.