Women’s Reservation Bill: After passing, challenge now to ensure promise translates to equality

Source: This post has been created based on the article “Women’s Reservation Bill: After passing, challenge now to ensure promise translates to equality” published in The Indian Express on 23^rd October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

News: This article discusses the various advantages of increasing the representation of women in politics in India through the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill by the Parliament. It also provides suggestions for women willing to join politics.

Rest of the aspects of this news have been already covered in detail in the following article: https://forumias.com/blog/women-reservation-bill-explained-pointwise/

What are some of the possible benefits of the passage of the bill?

1) Can help transition India from the “politics of rhetoric“ to the “politics of presence” (from “words to action”).

2) Morally binding on the state: The idea of political equality is integral to the Constitution, making the inclusion of women in politics morally binding.

3) Marginalisation of women can be prevented: The political sphere has been largely dominated by men and masculinist politics.

4) Some have advocated that women can bring unique skills and political strategies rooted in their life experiences, making them role models for future generations.

5) Revitalising of democracy: The presence of women ensures fair negotiations and deliberations between genders on various issues, free from biases.

6) Exercised leadership roles: Women have held positions at the highest level – President, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, etc.

7) Increasing competence of women: They have made progress in education. They are also informed, responsible, and demanding voters.

8) Rising aspirations: Women have excelled in fields such as aviation, bureaucracy, medicine, space, arts and literature.

What should be the way forward for women aspiring to become part of Indian politics?

1) Training: This should include encouraging them to pursue higher education in subjects such as public policy, political science and law.

2) Engagement: Women leaders need to engage with local issues and facilitate local solutions to local problems.

3) Empathy: A sense of empathy needs to be nurtured that underlines harmony in society.

It will ensure that the formal equality promised by the Act will transform into substantive equality for women.

Question for practice:

The Women’s Reservation Bill has come as a breath of fresh air in the male-dominated political setup of India. Highlighting the benefits of the passage of the bill, provide suggestions how women in politics can contribute positively to the women empowerment?