From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About 106th Amendment Act
Mains level: Quota should be provided in political parties for women
Why in the News?
In the recently concluded general elections in the U.K., a record 263 women MPs, making up 40% of the total, have been elected to the House of Commons.
Political representation of Women in the world:
Have women been fairly represented in Parliament in independent India?Women were granted the right to vote from the First General Elections in 1952, yet their representation in the Lok Sabha has been low.
Note: The global average of 26.9% of women in National parliaments. Women’s Representation in State Legislatures:
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Should political parties provide internal reservations to increase women’s political participation?
- Globally, higher representation for women is achieved through voluntary or legislated compulsory quotas for candidates within political parties or reserved seats in parliament.
- So, quotas within political parties offer more democratic choices to voters and flexibility in candidate selection. It means quota in Political parties could be the most important step to increase women’s representation in Parliament.
- Some parties, like Naam Tamilar Katchi in Tamil Nadu, have adopted voluntary quotas (50% for women candidates), but such measures alone have not significantly improved overall representation.
When will the 106th constitutional amendment be implemented?
- The 106th Amendment Act provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, including the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
- The reservation will come into effect after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken following the first census conducted after the commencement of the 106th Amendment Act.
- The women’s reservation will be in operation for a period of 15 years from its commencement.
Way Forward:
- Public Awareness and Advocacy: Need to conduct widespread awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of gender equality in political representation.
- Capacity Building and Support Mechanisms: Need to implement comprehensive capacity-building programs aimed at empowering women politically. For example,provide training in leadership skills, campaign management, and legislative processes.
Mains PYQ:
Q The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2019)
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