Why this ?
The landmark passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill) in 2023 saw the Vice President reshaping the Rajya Sabha panel, marking a significant shift in the perception of women’s roles. Questions on women empowerment are the most common questions that appear repeatedly. But since this topic is so common, the questions would demand a certain level of expertise on the topic. We have captured this essence by talking about the topic from empowerment to true women-led development, we’ve also covered the expanding influence of women as decision-makers, highlighting their growing impact across fields like the judiciary, politics, management, and more.
GS 1
Indian Society: Role of Women and Social Empowerment
Note4Students: Analyze how women’s leadership and increased representation reshape Indian society, promoting social progress and governance reforms.
Microtheme: Women and Associated concerns
GS 2
Governance, Polity, Social Justice: Women in Legislatures and Welfare Schemes
Note4Students: Understand the impact of women’s reservation in parliament and women-led welfare schemes on gender equality and governance.
Microtheme: Women
GS 3
Economic Development, Technology, Environment: Inclusive Growth and Employment
Note4Students: Examine the role of women in fostering inclusive growth and the challenges they face in gaining leadership roles in employment sectors.
Microtheme: Inclusive Growth
GS 4
Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude: Gender and Ethical Governance
Note4Students: Explore how gender representation influences ethical decision-making in public administration and promotes gender-sensitive policies.
Microtheme: Foundational values
What specific measures have been recently taken to promote women’s participation in Rajya Sabha?
- Reconstitution of the Vice-Chairpersons Panel: The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha reconstituted the panel to include only women during the historic passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), 2023.
- Increased Representation in the Vice-Chairpersons Panel: The practice of nominating four women members (50% of the panel) was introduced, including significant figures like S. Phangnon Konyak and P.T. Usha.
- Training of Women Officers for House Duties: Women officers of the Secretariat were trained to perform House duties, breaking the stereotype that these tasks were a male domain. Women now largely manage the Table of the House.
- Introduction of ‘Vahan’ Application: A system to facilitate safe commutation for women officers working late hours was introduced, ensuring their safety during odd hours.
- Appointment of Women in Key Roles: Women officers were appointed to key positions in human resources, legislative sections, and parliamentary committees.
What are the key outcomes from Nari Shakti Adhiniyam (2023)?
- 33% Reservation for Women in Legislatures: The Bill reserves 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, aiming to increase women’s participation in governance.
- Long-term Impact on Women’s Representation: The Bill ensures that women are better represented in the political process, potentially reshaping the political landscape by empowering women as decision-makers.
- Women as Key Participants in Development: By providing more opportunities for women in legislatures, it aligns with the goal of women-led development, where women set the agenda for governance and development policies.
Moving from Women Development to Women-led Development
| Parameter | Women Development | Women-Led Development |
| Definition | Focuses on improving the social, economic, and political conditions of women, ensuring their empowerment and inclusion in development. | Women take an active leadership role in driving economic, social, and political development, shaping policies and initiatives. |
| Approach | Primarily top-down, where external entities (governments, NGOs) design and implement policies for women’s benefit. | Bottom-up approach, where women are key decision-makers, leading change and actively contributing to the development process. |
| Role of Women | Women are often recipients of development programs aimed at improving their status and welfare. | Women are leaders and drivers of development, playing a central role in policy formulation, execution, and governance. |
| Objective | Achieve gender parity by reducing gaps in education, health, employment, and political representation. | Foster a more inclusive development model where women shape societal progress, ensuring their perspectives and needs are central. |
| Examples | Programs aimed at improving maternal health, increasing female literacy, and reducing gender violence. | Women-led grassroots movements, women entrepreneurs driving economic change, and female politicians spearheading reform. |
Women as Decision Makers
Women’s participation in decision-making is essential for a country’s development and social progress. When women are involved in decision-making, it leads to positive societal changes, including improved laws, policies, and social norms. Ensuring that women have an equal voice alongside men in decisions that impact their lives, families, and communities is crucial for advancing gender equality and improving quality of life. Society must actively promote women’s equal representation and power in all areas of decision-making to build inclusive and diverse institutions.
Women’s Political Participation in India
- National Politics
- Central Council of Ministers: Women’s representation peaked at 17.8% in 2015, currently at 14.5%.
- Election Success: Women have a higher success rate than men in elections, yet participation remains low.
- 17th Lok Sabha: Highest women MPs in Odisha (33%), lowest in Kerala (5%).
- Local Governance
- 73rd and 74th Amendments (1990s): Mandated 33% reservation for women in local bodies.
- State-Level Initiatives: 20 states now have 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- Impact: Over 1 million women elected at local levels, improving grassroots political involvement.
- Women’s Voter Turnout
- Improved Participation: Women’s turnout in 2019 was 67.2%, surpassing men in states like Bihar and Goa.
- Reason for Growth: Increased literacy has led to higher political awareness among women.
Women in Judicial Decision-Making
- Current Representation in India
- Supreme Court (2022): Out of 29 judges, only 3 are women.
- High Courts: Only 13% of judges are women.
- Global Issue: Low representation of women in the judiciary is not unique to India; it is a global challenge.
Women’s Representation in Management in India
- Data Overview
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (2020-2021):
- Women in managerial positions:
- 2020: 18.8%
- 2021: 18.1%
- Women in managerial positions:
- Highest Representation (2021):
- Mizoram: 41.5%
- Sikkim: 32.5%
- Manipur: 31.1%
- Meghalaya: 30.9%
- Andhra Pradesh: 30.3%
- Lowest Representation (2021):
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: 1.8%
- Uttarakhand: 3.4%
- Jammu & Kashmir: 4.6%
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 7.2%
- Bihar: 7.3%
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (2020-2021):
- Women in Legislative and Senior Roles: As of 2022, 22.2% of those in positions like Legislators, Senior Officials, and Managers were women.
- State Comparisons:
- Better Performing States: Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Andhra Pradesh show higher representation of women in management roles.
- Lagging States: Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Uttarakhand, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Punjab, and Nagaland have much lower representation of women in management.
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