Legislating change- The Women’s Reservation Bill must be implemented without delay

Source: The post is based on the article “Legislating change- The Women’s Reservation Bill must be implemented without delay” published in “The Hindu” on 21st September 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Society- social empowerment & GS2- Polity- constitutional amendment, Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States

News: The Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in Lok Sabha after 30 years. It reserves 33% Lok Sabha seats for women. This won’t apply in the 2024 election due to delimitation and Census links. Women face many barriers in India. They need better representation.

What is the Women’s Reservation Bill about?

The Women’s Reservation Bill, also known as the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, is about:

Bill’s Passage: The Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha after being tabled in Parliament nearly three decades ago.

Current Representation: Women Members of Parliament currently make up only about 15% of the Lok Sabha.

Read – Women Reservation bill

What is the need for women’s reservation?

Existing Imbalance: Currently, women Members of Parliament constitute only about 15% of the Lok Sabha. This showcases the gender disparity in political representation.

Breaking Glass Ceiling: The Women’s Reservation Bill can address this inequality and shatter political barriers faced by women.

Ground-Level Success: Women have proved their capabilities in local bodies, with representation in panchayati raj institutions exceeding 50% in several states.

Overcoming Challenges: Women have historically broken through various hurdles, from patriarchal attitudes to being undervalued in their official roles.

Unequal Access: Women in India often have uneven access to health, nutrition, and education.

Workforce Representation: India’s female labor force participation is the lowest among G-20 countries, at 24%.

Historical Rights: India granted women voting rights early on; it’s essential to ensure their equal representation in governance.