A recent study by Rajeshwari Deshpande, titled Shaping of the Woman Constituency in Indian Elections: Evidence from the NES Data, examines the role of women in India’s political landscape.
Key Findings of the Study
- Voting Patterns and Representation: Women’s voting behaviors are often generalized, with political parties failing to account for differences based on caste, class, and religion.
- Welfare Programs and Political Image: Women are frequently depicted as passive beneficiaries of schemes like Ujjwala and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, reinforcing a dependent status rather than active political agency.
- Participation Beyond Voting: While female voter turnout has risen, women remain underrepresented in political campaigns, rallies, and policy discussions due to societal and structural barriers.
- Effect of Male Migration: In regions with high male migration rates, women’s voter participation has increased, particularly in economically and socially marginalized communities.
- Regional Political Trends: In states with influential regional parties, such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, women’s voting preferences align more with regional movements rather than national gender-based trends.
Women’s Political Engagement in India
Compared to other countries where gender disparities in political participation began narrowing in the 1990s, India witnessed this shift primarily in the 2010s.
- In the 2019 general elections, women’s voter turnout slightly surpassed that of men, with women comprising 49.5% of the electorate.
- In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, female voter turnout (65.8%) marginally exceeded male turnout (65.6%).
- Women, particularly in rural areas, are becoming increasingly involved in local governance and decision-making processes.
Global Perspective and Objectives
Achieving gender parity in political participation is essential for meeting international development goals.
- The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 emphasizes gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action advocates for equal political representation and decision-making power between men and women.
Factors Influencing Women’s Political Involvement
- Cultural and Social Norms: Deep-rooted traditions and societal expectations often restrict women’s participation in politics.
- Education and Awareness: Increased literacy and education levels enable women to engage more actively in political processes.
- Economic Independence: Financial autonomy and workforce participation enhance women’s political influence and decision-making capabilities.
- Caste, Class, and Religion: Social identities significantly impact women’s political affiliations and voting behaviors.
- Political Party Outreach: Strategies adopted by political parties, including policies aimed at women’s welfare, influence participation levels.
- Role of Social Movements: Women’s engagement in activism and grassroots movements strengthens their role in formal politics.
- Regional and State-Specific Factors: Local political dynamics and state-level policies shape women’s political involvement
Conclusion
Over the past two decades, decentralized governance has emphasized the need to assess women’s participation in decision-making. Gender-sensitive budgeting initiatives aim to promote inclusive growth and drive the nation towards greater gender equality. Improved data collection on women’s political engagement can further enhance gender-responsive policies and create a more equitable society.