Women s Participation In Indian Politics Since 1991 To 2014 With Special Reference To Parliamentary Politics

Abstract

An appraisal of the political participation of women is of critical importance for any discourse on gender equality. Historically, women s involvement in politics has been limited to non conventional politics by way of participating in independence movement, social movement and feminist movements. But, their involvement in conventional electoral politics has been disproportionately low and thus the role of political leadership has eluded them. The main reasons for inadequate political participation of women have been patriarchal and cultural constraints, criminalization of politics, financial backwardness, high cost of entering electoral politics and low social esteem. Political participation of women is also governed by the socio cultural milieu to which they belong. The year 1991 marked the beginning of economic liberalization and meritocracy helping women to become self reliant and the paradigm shifted from women s development to women s empowerment. The 73rd constitutional amendment act was instrumental in ensuring gender equality in grassroots politics. But, there is still a need for non-governmental and feminist organizations to act synergistically and espouse the cause of political empowerment of women. Legal rights in isolation are not sufficient to improve their political representation. It should be the endeavor of political parties and society to ensure proper grooming and training of women to enhance their political skills and thereby building female social capital more suited to electoral success. But, the State and political parties have failed to mobilize support for women s empowerment in society. Reservation of seats in parliament can provide an initial fillip in enhancing their representation. Additionally, collaboration of the State and society is needed for dismantling the social and psychological barriers to enhanced political participation of women.