Women in Politics

Imsusenla Longchar , Assistant Professor
Department of political science
St.Joseph’s College, Jakhama

Our generation is accommodating more and more women in politics across the world- but even more significantly in the developed world. This is clearly because the developed world has a system that encourages and educates women to value civic engagement and helps them to see themselves as empowered leaders in politics and public policy.

The record of Indian Women in politics is often cited in rebuttal to accounts and reports that dwell on the subordination of women. Indian women can vote and stand for elections to all provincial and central bodies. However, the extent of their involvement falls short relating to equality promised by the Constitution of India. Firstly, there has been the problem of party backing. The political parties all give lip service to the ideal of women in politics but have been reluctant to gamble with seats. Secondly, women candidates have disliked the rough and tumble of political life. While many expressed the willingness to put up with the hardships of a political campaign, they have not been able to change the social attitudes about women’s proper place. The third problem women in politics face are related to their representation as both “feminine” and “unfeminine”. Indian news media never fail to notice a woman politician, but much of the attention focuses on either their performance of traditional roles and dress, appearance, and style or on their masculine traits.

The term ‘political participation ‘has a very wide meaning. It is not only related to ‘Right to vote’, but simultaneously relates to participation in: decision making process, political activism, political consciousness, etc. Women in India participate in voting, run for public offices and political parties at lower levels more than men. Political activism and voting are the strongest areas of women’s political participation. Comprising over 50 percent of the world’s population, women continue to be under-represented as voters, political leaders and elected officials. Democracy cannot truly deliver for all of its citizens if half of the population remains underrepresented in the political arena.
Participation of women in politics is very important for the growth of a nation and for the increase in status and respect of women at large. Many countries in order to intensify the dignity of a woman are finding ways to increase the percentage of women in politics. There is a pre- conceived notion among the population of the world at large that women are generally considered less powerful than men. Women have constantly proved her in all the fields of life. She has performed excellently at home, office, sports, education etc. in many cases women have surpassed men. In India, reform movements before and after Independence has helped women to gain power in politics. They have achieved unprecedented political breakthrough with the reservation of seats for them in panchayats and other public bodies. Increasingly today, there is constantly an increasing rise in the participation of women in politics. Women turnout during India’s 2014 parliamentary general election was 65.63%, compared to 67.09% turnout for men. India ranks 20th from the bottom in terms of representation of women in parliament, to justify this fact  Women have held the posts of president and prime minister, as well as chief Ministers of various states. Indian voters have elected women to numerous state legislative assemblies and national parliament ushering that equitable participation of women in politics and government is essential to building and sustaining democracy.

The importance of including women and women’s voices in peace negotiations, transitional governments and long – term political processes is critical to the stability of emerging democracies. In each stage of a country’s democratic transition, whether it is still entrenched in conflict or moving towards reconciliation, there are opportunities for women’s inclusion that will have a profound effect on determining a successful outcome. Women as a politician will give greater importance to women rights and help in developing policies that will enhance the importance and respect of women. Women in politics will bring a greater social change to the society, nation and world at large. Environment in every sphere should be created where women can advocate on matters of policy, run for political office, be elected, govern effectively, and participate meaningfully in every facet of civic and political life. For democratic governments to deliver to these constituents, they must be truly representative. The situations and urgency of political life prevent concentrating only on issues of women or approaching all issues from a feminist perspective. Nevertheless, women in political positions are highly visual and may serve as models of empowered women. Women have proved to be extremely effective politicians and the degree of their success can be understood by examining their individual careers. In day-to-day political life, women politicians must perform like their male counterparts. Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi may have owed her ascent to power to dynastic politics but she was certainly an effective politician. Just like men perform in political sphere and public policies, women also must put up their performance and battle for the bills they want passed and the constituencies they serve. In short, they must learn the games of power.

Increasing women’s representation in the government can empower women and increasing women’s representation in government is necessary to achieve gender parity. Although considered as nothing, women must become everything.

Source: morungexpress.com