Answer:

Introduction:

In the 2024 Indian general elections, only 13.6% of the elected members are women, reflecting a persistent gender disparity in political representation. Despite the enactment of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, which ensures 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies, the actual participation remains significantly lower than expected.

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Factors Contributing to the Low Percentage of Female Candidates:

• Patriarchal Mindset: Deep-rooted societal norms and stereotypes view women as less capable leaders, discouraging women from participating in politics.
  For example: A 2023 survey revealed that 55% of Indian men believe men make better political leaders than women.
• Party Bias in Ticket Allocation: Political parties often prioritise male candidates, perceiving them as more viable, leading to a significant gender gap in candidacy.
  For example: In the 2024 elections, major parties like BJP and Congress fielded only 15.91% and 12.42% female candidates, respectively.
• Financial Constraints: Women often lack the financial resources needed to run successful election campaigns, which are capital-intensive.
  For example: Studies show that women candidates face higher financial hurdles, with fewer women having access to large networks of financial support compared to their male counterparts.
• Violence and Intimidation: The threat of violence and harassment, both online and offline, deters many women from entering the political arena.
  For example: Female politicians in India face significant abuse on social media, with a 2022 Amnesty International report highlighting that women politicians receive abusive tweets every 30 seconds.
• Lack of Female Role Models: The absence of a sufficient number of successful female politicians to serve as role models and mentors discourages younger women from aspiring to political careers.                    For example: While leaders like Indira Gandhi and Pratibha Patil have served as role models, they are exceptions rather than the norm. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, only 13.6% of the elected members are women, with 74 female MPs out of 543 seats, reflecting a decrease from 14.4% in 2019.​
• Low Self-Efficacy: Many women lack confidence in their abilities to succeed in the political arena due to ingrained societal beliefs and self-doubt.         For example: A 2022 study by the Centre for Policy Research found that women are 40% less likely than men to consider themselves capable of holding political office.

Role of Political Parties in Improving Gender Parity:

• Mandatory Quotas: Introducing gender quotas can ensure a minimum percentage of female candidates, thereby increasing representation.
  For example: The Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposes reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures for women, could significantly boost female representation if passed.
• Economic Assistance: Political parties can offer financial support to female candidates to help mitigate the economic barriers they face.
  For example: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has set a precedent by providing financial assistance to female candidates in local elections, encouraging more women to participate.
• Mentorship and Training Programs: Establishing mentorship and training programs can prepare women for political careers, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
  For example: The BJP’s Mahila Morcha runs training programs for women to enhance their leadership skills and prepare them for political roles.
• Leadership Opportunities: Promoting women to leadership positions within the party can provide role models and create a supportive environment for aspiring female politicians.
  For example: Parties like Trinamool Congress (TMC) have promoted women like Mamata Banerjee to top leadership roles, demonstrating their commitment to gender parity.
• Promoting Positive Media Coverage: Political parties can work to ensure that female candidates receive fair and positive media coverage, highlighting their achievements and capabilities.
  For example: Parties like the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have initiated media campaigns to showcase the contributions of their female politicians and highlight their successes to inspire more women participation in political roles.
• Facilitating Networking Events: Organizing events where women can network with established politicians, activists, and community leaders can provide invaluable support and connections.
  For example: The Congress Party has initiated networking events specifically for female members, creating a platform for mentorship and collaboration.

Conclusion:

To achieve gender parity in political representation, systemic changes within political parties and society are essential. These measures will not only increase female participation in elections but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative political system. The implementation of these strategies can pave the way for a more balanced and equitable political landscape in India.