Women’s Political Participation Remains Low in Bengaluru: Only 7 Women MLAs in 66 Years

Despite being a progressive city, Bengaluru has witnessed a low representation of women in politics. In the last 66 years, only seven women have been elected as Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the city. This highlights the stark reality of gender inequality and the under-representation of women in decision-making positions.

The reasons behind this gender disparity are multifaceted. One of the primary reasons is the patriarchal mindset prevailing in the society, which perceives politics as a male-dominated profession. This creates a hostile environment for women who aspire to enter politics, making it difficult for them to gain a foothold in the field.

Moreover, the lack of financial resources and institutional support further hinders women’s participation in politics. Political campaigns require a significant amount of money, and women often lack the financial means to contest elections independently. Additionally, the limited representation of women in political parties and the lack of mentorship and support systems make it challenging for women to advance in their political careers.

The issue of women’s political participation is not just limited to Bengaluru but is prevalent across India. Despite constitutional provisions mandating 33% reservation for women in local body elections, there is a significant gender gap in political representation. It is imperative to create an inclusive environment that encourages and supports women’s political participation to address this disparity.

RE-reported from the story originally published in She the People