Gender Gap Index 2025
India’s position in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index has declined . Recently, India ranked 131st out of 148 countries. This fall is attributed to a worsening situation in political empowerment. While economic participation, educational attainment, and health have shown improvements, political representation remains a pressing issue.
Current Gender Gap Context
India’s gender gap has narrowed in several areas. However, political empowerment has deteriorated. The percentage of women in Parliament decreased from 14.7% to 13.79%. Women in ministerial positions also fell from 6.45% to 5.56%. These statistics show the ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality in leadership roles.
Women’s Reservation Legislation
In 2023, India passed a law mandating 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State legislatures. This law will take effect in 2029, following a new Census and delimitation. The reservation is valid for 15 years, raising concerns about the sustainability of women’s political gains.
Historical Context of Women’s Representation
Women’s representation in the Lok Sabha has fluctuated from 3.4% in 1977 to 14% in 2019. As of 2023, women made up only 9% of MLAs in State Assemblies. Chhattisgarh had the highest representation at 18%, while some states had no women MLAs at all. The impending reservation aims to increase these figures substantially.
Impact of Women Voters
The number of women voters has increased dramatically since the first general election in 1952. Women have overtaken men as voters in recent elections. Political parties are now targeting women as a key demographic, introducing welfare schemes aimed at them. This shift in voting patterns has not yet translated into increased representation.
Challenges in Candidate Selection
Despite the rise in women voters, political parties continue to offer limited representation to women candidates. Many women are fielded in reserved seats for Scheduled Castes or Tribes. This practice undermines their chances in more competitive constituencies. Although women candidates have a higher winning percentage, they often struggle to make it onto candidate lists.
Future Prospects for Political Empowerment
The upcoming reservation law could alter the landscape of women’s political empowerment. However, the effectiveness of this policy will depend on the willingness of political parties to support women in ministerial roles. There is a need for a clear pathway to elevate local leaders to higher political offices.
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