Women’s Reservation Empowers Gender Equality in Indian Politics
In 1992, India introduced the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution, mandating one-third reservation of seats for women in Panchayati Raj institutions. Over the years, this move resulted in increased female representation and a gradual shift in perspectives regarding gender-diverse leadership. Today, grassroots governance systems in India boast over 1.3 million women, making them one of the most gender-balanced in the world.
Fast forward to 2023, and India has passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, extending similar reservations to Parliament, marking a significant step toward gender equality in politics and governance. However, the question arises whether these numbers signify substantial change and whether women’s influence in policymaking is truly progressing.
Globally, the issue of representation persists, with only 34 women serving as elected Heads of State or government and just 21% of the world’s ministers being women. In India, this figure stands at about 12%, trailing behind the global average of 20.5% for women ambassadors and mission heads. Nevertheless, research by the Kubernein Initiative reveals promising trends: while women remain underrepresented at the upper levels of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the middle and entry-level positions demonstrate a more balanced gender distribution, hinting at a potential transformation in the country’s foreign policy leadership.
The focus on numerical representation alone may not be sufficient. Countries embracing feminist foreign policies emphasize representation alongside rights as a cornerstone of their new policy objectives. Achieving meaningful change requires a shift in institutional thinking and greater agency, shared not only by women but also by the systems shaped by both genders.
To ensure true structural change, a more inclusive lens must be applied to policy decisions, transcending traditional gender distinctions and reevaluating the concepts of hard and soft security. While India has made strides in promoting gender mainstreaming, there’s a need for a more focused and robust framework.
Historically, women in India, whether from privileged backgrounds or not, have led transformative change in various fields. The political empowerment of women is becoming increasingly evident in parliamentary sessions, and with the implementation of the constitutional amendment, this trend is expected to gain momentum.
In conclusion, India’s commitment to progressive change is evident in its policies and focus, transitioning from “development for women” to “women-led development.” The challenge is to sustain the ongoing transformation and become a crucial ally in fostering more inclusive foreign policy, aligning with the principles of equality and inclusion.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times
