Answer

Over the decades, India has  introduced initiatives like reservations in Panchayati Raj Institutions and recently the Women’s Reservation Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023). However, despite these efforts, women’s representation in Parliament remains low , only about 13.6% in 18th Lok Sabha and even lower in debates and decision-making roles.

Positive Developments Enhancing Women’s Participation in Parliamentary Debates and Decision-Making

• Progressive Constitutional and Policy Reforms: Constitutional guarantees (Articles 14, 15, 16) and initiatives like the Women’s Reservation Act have strengthened legal backing for women’s political inclusion.
  For example: The passing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 ensures 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• Increasing Number of Women Leaders at National and State Levels: Women leaders are increasingly occupying prominent political positions, setting examples for new entrants.
  For example: Droupadi Murmu became India’s first tribal woman President in 2022, symbolising greater inclusion at the highest levels.
• Rise in Local Governance Participation: Women’s representation at the Panchayat and municipal levels has grown significantly, creating grassroots leadership pipelines.
• Increased Access to Leadership Training and Capacity Building: Government and NGOs are providing targeted training programs to enhance women’s political and leadership skills.
  For example: Initiatives like the National Commission for Women’s “She Leads” Program (2023) have trained thousands of aspiring women leaders.
• Role of Media and Civil Society in Visibility and Advocacy: Media campaigns and civil society movements are actively advocating for gender equality in political spaces.
  For example: The #EmpowerHerPolitics campaign has garnered significant public engagement on promoting women’s political participation.

Underlying Factors Contributing to Persistent Underrepresentation of Women

• Patriarchal Social Norms and Gender Stereotyping: Deep-rooted societal biases continue to perceive politics as a male domain, limiting women’s active participation.
• Financial and Electoral Challenges: Women candidates face a lack of access to campaign finance, patronage networks, and visibility in comparison to male counterparts.
• Exposure to Violence and Intimidation: Threats, harassment (physical and online), and political violence deter women from contesting and participating actively.
  For example: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB 2023) reported a rise in cases of online harassment targeting women politicians.
• Lack of Mentorship and Institutional Support: Absence of structured mentoring programs or leadership training restricts women’s growth in political hierarchies.
  

Constitutional Guarantees and Policy Initiatives for Women Empowerment

• Reservation for Women in Local Governance: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments mandate one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies.
  For example: As per the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (2023), women now occupy over 46% of Panchayat seats nationwide.
• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 (Women’s Reservation Act): Provides 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, aiming to ensure greater representation.
  For example: Once implemented post-delimitation, the bill is expected to significantly raise women’s legislative participation by 2029.
• National Policy for Empowerment of Women (2001) and Draft National Policy for Women (2016): Both frameworks aim to mainstream women’s participation in political and decision-making spaces.
  For example: The Draft Policy (2016) emphasises building capacity among women leaders through training, mentoring, and financial support initiatives.
• Gender Budgeting Initiatives: Introduced from Union Budget 2005-06 onwards to allocate and monitor public expenditure for women’s development, including leadership and political empowerment.
  For example: Rs. 4.49 lakh crore allocated for welfare of women and girls in the gender budget statement of FY 2025-26. 

Bridging the gender gap in parliamentary debates and decision-making demands structural reforms in party systems, targeted capacity building, safe political spaces, and genuine societal commitment to gender equality. Mere policy declarations must translate into practical empowerment to realise the constitutional vision of an inclusive democracy.

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