Table of Contents
Current status of women empowerment: In perspective of political empowerment (69th BPSC Essay)
“If you want to measure the progress of a society, look at the status of women in it.” – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Women’s empowerment means making women socially, economically, educationally, and politically self-reliant so that they can exercise their rights and achieve equality in society. Political empowerment, in particular, ensures women’s participation in governance, contributes to policymaking, and actively involves them in decision-making processes. In a democratic country like India, women’s participation is essential for the overall development of society. Although the Constitution grants equal rights to women, their political participation has remained relatively low. Increasing the number of women in politics will not only promote gender equality but also contribute to overall societal progress.
In recent times, women’s political participation has increased, but several challenges remain. The representation of women in Parliament and legislative assemblies is gradually rising, yet it has not reached the expected level. Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution provide equal rights to women. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments introduced a 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions, significantly enhancing their grassroots participation. Indian politics has seen influential female leaders like Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati, who have governed at various levels. The proposed bill for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and legislative assemblies had been pending for many years but was finally passed in 2023, ensuring greater representation for women in these bodies.
“A country’s progress depends on its ability to empower its women.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
There are several obstacles to women’s political empowerment. Women often face resistance in entering politics, as it has traditionally been considered a male-dominated field. Many capable women are unable to participate in the electoral process due to a lack of financial resources. Political parties are often reluctant to give tickets to women candidates, limiting their participation. Additionally, women in politics face various forms of violence and mental harassment, further discouraging them from active involvement.
To address these challenges, political parties must allocate more tickets to women and promote them to leadership positions. Emphasis should be placed on women’s education and economic independence to make them self-sufficient. Awareness campaigns should be conducted to change societal mindsets, and stringent laws and policies should be implemented to eliminate violence and discrimination against women. Moreover, a conducive environment must be created where women can express their views fearlessly and play an active role in policymaking.
Women’s empowerment, especially political empowerment, is crucial for national development. Although women’s participation has increased, there is still a need to strengthen it further. With appropriate policies, social transformation, and awareness, women can be encouraged to take active roles in politics. When women hold influential positions in politics, only then can a strong, equal, and developed society be realized.
“When a woman advances, the family, society, and the nation advance together.” – Indira Gandhi
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