Answer:

Introduction:

The Global Gender Gap Report 2024, published by the World Economic Forum, ranks India 129th out of 146 countries, highlighting substantial gender disparities across various dimensions. Despite some progress, significant gaps remain, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment.

Body:

Current State of Gender Disparity in India:

• Economic Participation and Opportunity:
  • Ranking: 142nd out of 146 countries.
  • India has achieved only 36.7% parity in economic participation. Women’s workforce participation and representation in senior roles are significantly low.
  • For example: Women in India earn approximately 21% less than men, reflecting the systemic pay gap.
• Educational Attainment:
  • Ranking: 112th globally.
  • High enrolment rates in primary, secondary, and tertiary education; however, a 17.2 percentage point gap remains in literacy rates between men and women.
  • For example: Despite high enrolment, only 27% of women in India are engaged in higher education compared to 35% of men.
• Health and Survival:
  • Ranking: 142nd globally.
  • India’s sex ratio at birth has improved slightly, yet overall health outcomes for women remain poor.
  • For example: The maternal mortality rate in India is 113 per 100,000 live births, higher than the global average of 152.
• Political Empowerment:
  • Ranking: 65th globally.
  • Women hold only 15.1% of parliamentary seats and 6.9% of ministerial positions.
  • For example: Despite a high score in the head-of-state indicator, representation in Parliament and ministerial positions remains low.

Impact of Increased Women’s Representation in Parliament and State Assemblies:

• Policy Advocacy and Gender-Sensitive Legislation: Greater representation can lead to more robust gender-sensitive policies.
  For example: The Women’s Reservation Bill, which aims to reserve 33% of seats in Parliament for women, is more likely to be enacted with increased female representation.
• Enhanced Focus on Social Issues: Women legislators often prioritise healthcare, education, and child welfare.
  For example: Kerala’s increased female representation has led to improved maternal health policies and higher literacy rates.
• Breaking Gender Stereotypes: Women in leadership roles can challenge societal norms and stereotypes.
  For example: In West Bengal, the election of more women in local bodies has led to more women running businesses and participating in local governance
• Inclusive Governance: Diverse political representation leads to more comprehensive and inclusive governance.
  For example: In Panchayats with higher female representation, there is increased focus on water supply, sanitation, and education.
• Economic Empowerment: Women in leadership can influence policies that promote women’s economic participation.
  For example: In countries like Rwanda, female legislators have championed laws that support women’s access to finance and entrepreneurship.
• Improved Healthcare Outcomes: Female legislators are more likely to advocate for better healthcare facilities and services for women.
  For example: Increased female representation in Maharashtra has led to better implementation of health programs targeted at women and children.
• Educational Advancements: Women in politics can influence educational policies to ensure better access for girls.
  For example: The introduction of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, aimed at improving the education and well-being of girls, has seen greater support with more women in legislative roles.

Conclusion:

Ensuring equal representation is not just a matter of fairness but a strategic imperative for India to build resilient and progressive nations. Increasing women’s representation is crucial for fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and effective governance system. It enhances the diversity of perspectives, leading to more comprehensive and responsive policymaking. Furthermore, it can inspire and empower more women to engage in political and civic activities, ultimately strengthening democratic processes and promoting gender equality.