Republic Day Cheers for Women's Rights
– Dr Nowhera Shaik
As India's Republic Day approaches, a palpable wave of enthusiasm and anticipation engulfs the nation, particularly its women, heralding the celebration of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, commonly known as the women's reservation bill. This groundbreaking legislation, introduced during a special parliamentary session on September 19, 2023 seeks to reserve one-third of seats in both the Lower House and state legislative Assemblies, marking a significant leap toward gender equality in political representation.
The international context underscores the importance of such initiatives, as women's representation in government remains low globally. A staggering 107 countries, including progressive nations like Australia, Germany, the UAE, the UK, and Sweden, have recognized the pivotal role women play in society by implementing quotas in government.
Remarkable examples in Rwanda, Cuba, Mexico, New Zealand, and the UAE, where women's participation in Lower Houses exceeds 50 percent, showcase the transformative impact of inclusive policies. However, India, with its current women's representation standing at around 15 percent, is poised to embark on a journey of significant change.
Despite the rise in the number of women candidates over the years, India's Lok Sabha still exhibits a low representation of women. Historical data reveals the stark contrast: in the 1957 elections, 49 percent of the 45 women candidates were elected as Members of Parliament. Fast forward to 2019, and only 11 percent of the 716 women candidates secured seats. The persistent gap underscores the urgent need for proactive measures.
The inception of the Women's Reservation Bill dates back to 1996 when it was introduced as the 81st Amendment Bill during the tenure of the Deve Gowda-led United Front government. Unfortunately, at that time, it failed to garner sufficient support and lapsed with the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. However, the bill has been resurrected, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has framed its re-introduction as a historic beginning.
The Prime Minister, in his address during the first session held in the new Parliament building, placed the 27-year old bill in a broader context. Reflecting on India's achievements, from the Moon mission Chandrayaan 3 to successfully hosting the G20, he underscored the significance of this legislative moment in the nation's developmental journey, the “desh ki vikas yatra.”
The timing, while perhaps political, does not diminish the importance of the Women's Reservation Bill. Linked to the next census and delimitation, its impact is expected to come into effect after 2024. Regardless of immediate circumstances, the bill is recognized as a watershed moment in India's democratic journey and is welcomed with open arms.
PM Modi highlighted the government's schemes that have addressed and benefited women, such as the Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and the PM Awaas Yojana. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to uplift and empower women across various sectors.
What sets this attempt apart is the decisive majority backing the bill now enjoys. Unlike its previous attempts, the Women's Reservation Bill is on the brink of becoming law, promising to increase women's representation in Parliament and state legislative assemblies to a transformative 33 percent.
While women were granted one-third reservation in panchayats and local urban bodies in the early 1990s, their numbers in higher echelons of power, notably Parliament and state assemblies, have fallen short of the mark. The current representation of less than 15 percent in the Lok Sabha reflects the need for systemic change. The increase in female turnouts, surpassing male turnouts in 2019 at the national level, further emphasizes the need for substantive representation in law and policy-making.
In the quest to truly harness the demographic dividend, the Women's Reservation Bill serves as a catalyst to pry open closed spaces and dismantle age-old boys' clubs. As the nation eagerly anticipates Republic Day, it is not just a moment to celebrate for its women but for the entire nation. The bill's impending passage represents a forward leap toward a more inclusive, representative, and just democracy. It symbolizes the collective aspiration to build a nation where every voice, regardless of gender, contributes to the tapestry of India's democratic fabric
The upcoming Republic Day celebrations in India will be infused with an unparalleled sense of historic achievement as the Women's Reservation Bill is on the cusp of becoming law. The passage of this transformative legislation before the festivities marks a monumental moment for the nation, especially its women. The bill, with its commitment to reserve one-third of seats in the Lower House and state legislative Assemblies, symbolizes a stride towards gender parity in the political arena.
As the joyous celebrations unfold, there is a prevailing sentiment that this legislative triumph will catapult women to new heights, fostering an era where their voices, perspectives, and leadership contribute significantly to shaping the future of India. The Republic Day revelries will not only commemorate the nation's democratic values but also mark a pivotal juncture in empowering and elevating the role of women in the governance and decision-making processes.
Women have perennially stood at the forefront of the nation's progress, playing an indispensable role in its development. Their contributions, often undervalued, have been integral to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of India. As Republic Day approaches, it is imperative to recognize and applaud the unwavering commitment and resilience demonstrated by women across the country. The passage of the Women's Reservation Bill is a testament to the government's acknowledgment of the pivotal role women play in shaping the destiny of the nation. By providing a platform for increased representation in governance, the bill not only reflects a commitment to gender equality but also serves as a poignant acknowledgment of the indispensable contributions of women to the country's growth.
As the nation gears up to celebrate Republic Day, praising the government for championing this cause becomes an expression of gratitude for recognizing and empowering the catalysts of progress – the women of India.
The passage of the Women's Reservation Bill marks a significant step towards gender inclusivity, yet it underscores the need for sustained and comprehensive women empowerment initiatives in the country. While the bill addresses political representation, a holistic approach is essential to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by women in India. Continuous efforts should be directed towards education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to empower women at all levels of society. This involves fostering an environment that not only supports professional growth but also champions women's rights, dismantles gender stereotypes, and ensures equal access to opportunities.
(Dr Nowhera Shaik, Writer is Founder President of All India Mahila Empowerment Party (AIMEP), Hyderabad. Email : drnowheraoffice@gmail.com)