The political landscape of India, since its independence, has been characterized by a democratic ethos, yet the representation and participation of women within its highest legislative bodies, particularly the Parliament, have remained a subject of persistent debate and concern. While the Indian Constitution grants equal political rights to all citizens, including the right to vote and to stand for election, the journey towards equitable gender representation in political power structures has been arduous and incremental. Understanding the role and position of women in the Indian Parliament necessitates an examination of their historical presence, their influence on policymaking, and the intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors that shape their political trajectory.

The significance of women’s representation in Parliament extends far beyond mere symbolism; it is fundamental to the very concept of inclusive democracy and good governance. A legislature that adequately reflects the demographic diversity of its populace, including gender, is more likely to craft laws and policies that address the needs and concerns of all segments of society. Women parliamentarians bring unique perspectives, often informed by lived experiences distinct from those of their male counterparts, particularly on issues related to gender equality, social justice, health, education, and family welfare. Their presence enriches debates, diversifies policy outcomes, and strengthens the legitimacy of democratic institutions by ensuring that the voices of half the population are heard and amplified at the highest levels of decision-making.

Role and Position of Women in the Indian Parliament

The journey of women in the Indian Parliament began with the very first Lok Sabha in 1952, which saw 22 women elected, accounting for approximately 4.5% of the total strength. Over the decades, this number has gradually increased, though not consistently or rapidly. The 17th Lok Sabha, elected in 2019, marked a significant milestone with 78 women Members of Parliament (MPs), constituting about 14.39% of the total strength, the highest ever in India’s parliamentary history. While this figure represents an improvement, it still falls significantly short of the global average for women in national parliaments and the aspirational 33% or 50% benchmarks often discussed. In the Rajya Sabha, the upper house, women’s representation has also seen a gradual rise, albeit with fluctuations, generally hovering around 10-15%.

Historically, women parliamentarians in India have played pivotal roles, transcending their numerical limitations. Early trailblazers like Sarojini Naidu, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Sucheta Kriplani, and Indira Gandhi not only held significant political offices but also contributed substantially to the nation-building process. Indira Gandhi, as India’s first and only female Prime Minister, profoundly shaped national and international policies for over a decade. Beyond holding ministerial portfolios, women MPs have consistently raised critical issues concerning women’s rights, child welfare, education, healthcare, and social development. They have often been at the forefront of legislative reforms aimed at gender equality, such as the Hindu Code Bills in the 1950s, the Dowry Prohibition Act, the Maternity Benefit Act, and more recently, legislation addressing sexual harassment and violence against women.

The impact of women parliamentarians is multifaceted. Firstly, their mere presence serves as a powerful symbol, inspiring millions of women and girls to aspire to leadership roles and challenging entrenched patriarchal norms that often confine women to domestic spheres. Secondly, they act as advocates for gender-sensitive legislation and policies. They bring to the parliamentary discourse specific concerns such as the need for increased public expenditure on women’s health, improved access to education for girls, stricter laws against gender-based violence, and economic empowerment initiatives for women. For instance, the debates around the Domestic Violence Act, the amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and discussions on schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have often been championed or significantly influenced by women MPs.

Furthermore, women parliamentarians contribute to diverse perspectives in policymaking. Their life experiences, often different from those of their male counterparts, can lead to a more nuanced understanding of societal problems and the formulation of more inclusive solutions. They frequently serve on parliamentary standing committees related to health, education, social justice, and women and child development, where they can critically review policies, scrutinize government performance, and propose amendments. Their active participation in these committees ensures that a gender lens is applied to various policy domains, from economic planning to rural development. Despite their valuable contributions, women MPs sometimes face challenges within Parliament itself, including being relegated to less impactful portfolios, facing subtle forms of sexism, or having their contributions undervalued in a male-dominated environment. The discourse within the parliamentary chambers, while often robust, can at times reflect the patriarchal biases prevalent in society, making it challenging for women to assert their voices equally.

Challenges to the Political Participation of Women

Despite constitutional guarantees and the significant contributions of women parliamentarians, the path to equitable political participation for women in India is fraught with numerous challenges. These obstacles are systemic, deeply rooted in socio-cultural norms, economic disparities, political party structures, and the very nature of electoral politics.

Socio-cultural Barriers

Perhaps the most pervasive challenges are the socio-cultural barriers stemming from deeply entrenched patriarchal values and traditional gender roles. Indian society, to a large extent, still views women primarily as caregivers and homemakers, with political leadership often perceived as a male domain. This societal mindset leads to a lack of encouragement for women to enter politics from their families and communities. Women who do venture into politics often face skepticism regarding their leadership capabilities, their ‘winnability,’ and their ability to balance public life with family responsibilities. Stereotypes about women being ‘emotional’ or ‘unfit for tough decision-making’ persist, undermining their credibility even before they begin their political careers. Furthermore, the pervasive ‘parda’ (veil) system or cultural norms limiting women’s mobility in many regions act as significant deterrents, making it difficult for them to engage in rigorous campaigning, public rallies, and extensive travel required for political work.

Economic Barriers

Politics in India is an expensive affair, and the financial resources required for campaigning, mobilizing support, and maintaining political visibility are substantial. This poses a significant economic barrier for women, who often have limited access to independent wealth, property, or control over financial resources compared to men. Gender wage gaps, limited ownership of assets, and economic dependence on male family members mean that many women cannot self-finance their campaigns. Political parties, too, are often hesitant to invest financially in women candidates, perceiving them as less ‘winnable’ and thus a higher financial risk. This lack of financial muscle often forces women to rely on male patrons or family members, which can compromise their autonomy and decision-making once elected.

Political Party-related Barriers

Political parties, ironically, are one of the biggest hurdles to women’s political participation. Despite rhetoric supporting women’s empowerment, most major political parties demonstrate a marked reluctance to field a significant number of women candidates in winnable constituencies. The selection process for candidates is often opaque, dominated by male leaders, and influenced by considerations of caste, community, financial muscle, and perceived ‘winnability’—where women are often disadvantaged. Internal party structures are often hierarchical and male-dominated, offering limited space for women to rise through the ranks, build strong networks, or gain experience in party organization and strategy. There is a notable lack of mentorship programs for aspiring women politicians, and existing informal networks within parties often exclude women, making it difficult for them to gain traction or influence. The prevalence of “dynasty politics” also disproportionately benefits male heirs, further limiting opportunities for women who do not belong to established political families.

Electoral System Barriers

The First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system, which India follows, tends to exacerbate the challenges for women. In a highly competitive system where winning by even a small margin is crucial, parties often prioritize candidates perceived as ‘strong’ or ‘winnable’ based on traditional metrics, which often favor men with greater financial backing, established networks, and a perceived ability to handle the rough and tumble of electoral politics. The high cost of elections in this system further contributes to the financial barrier. The increasing criminalization of politics, with a growing number of candidates with criminal records, creates an intimidating environment that is particularly unwelcoming for women who may be less inclined or able to navigate such circumstances. Voter perception also plays a role; while women are a significant voting bloc, gender bias among some voters, especially in rural areas, can still influence choices, with a preference sometimes shown for male candidates due to societal conditioning.

Violence and Harassment

Women in politics often face various forms of violence and harassment, both during campaigning and throughout their political careers. This includes physical intimidation, verbal abuse, character assassination, sexual harassment, and threats against their families. The public nature of political rallies and campaigns can expose women to harassment, making many reluctant to enter the political fray. In the digital age, cyberbullying, online trolling, and the dissemination of misogynistic content are growing concerns that specifically target women politicians, aiming to silence them or discredit their reputation. Such an environment creates a hostile and unsafe space, deterring many capable women from considering political careers.

Lack of Capacity Building and Training

Many aspiring women politicians, particularly those from rural or marginalized backgrounds, lack access to the necessary training and capacity-building programs that equip them with skills in public speaking, policy formulation, campaign management, and fundraising. Unlike their male counterparts who may have inherited political networks or gained experience through informal channels, women often start with limited knowledge of the political machinery. There is an urgent need for more structured programs that empower women with the tools and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of electoral politics and parliamentary functions effectively.

Policy and Legislative Gaps

The most significant legislative gap has been the prolonged non-implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, now known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. While the bill, which reserves 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, has been passed, its implementation is contingent upon the completion of the next census and delimitation exercise, which could delay its effect for several years or even decades. This delay means that despite widespread consensus on the need for reservations, women continue to struggle for adequate representation in the immediate electoral cycles. Without such a structural intervention, the existing socio-political barriers are likely to continue limiting women’s entry and success in legislative politics.

The journey of women in the Indian Parliament, though marked by increasing numbers, remains a testament to both their resilience and the persistent systemic challenges they face. The gradual rise in women’s representation from the first Lok Sabha to the current one underscores a slow but perceptible shift in the nation’s political landscape, signifying a growing recognition of their essential role in democratic governance. Women parliamentarians have consistently championed critical social issues, contributing distinct perspectives to policy-making and legislative debates, thereby enriching the quality and inclusivity of India’s democratic process. Their presence serves not only as an indicator of progress but also as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations of women.

However, the path to truly equitable political participation remains long and arduous, plagued by a complex interplay of deep-seated socio-cultural biases, formidable economic hurdles, and structural impediments within political parties and the electoral system. The patriarchal nature of society, coupled with the prohibitive cost of elections and the often-intimidating political environment, collectively acts as a deterrent for many capable women. While the recent passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 offers a ray of hope for future electoral cycles by promising a significant increase in women’s representation through reservation, its delayed implementation underscores the ongoing need for sustained advocacy and commitment. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires not just legislative measures but a comprehensive societal transformation that includes fostering greater awareness, challenging entrenched stereotypes, promoting internal party reforms, and ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for women in public life.