Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rajya Sabha Elections
Mains level: Women's representation in legislation;
Why in the News?
During the historic passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), 2023, the Vice President reconstituted the panel to include only women, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the Upper House.
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)?
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Empowering women not just as beneficiaries but as leaders of development:
- Leadership Development Programs: Implement targeted initiatives to cultivate leadership skills among women, enabling them to take active roles in decision-making processes within their communities and organizations.
- Access to Resources and Opportunities: Ensure women have equitable access to education, financial resources, and training programs, empowering them to drive sustainable development and entrepreneurship.
- Advocacy and Representation: Promote women’s representation in governance and policy-making, ensuring their voices and perspectives shape development agendas and priorities at all levels.
Challenges India Faces in Implementing Women-led Development Initiatives:
- Economic Disparities: Women face significant challenges in accessing financial resources, property rights, and entrepreneurial opportunities, limiting their ability to lead development initiatives. As per the 2015-16 Agriculture Census, only 13.9% of landowners were women.
- Political Representation: Despite progress like the Women’s Reservation Bill, women’s political representation at the local and national levels remains below the desired level. Currently, only 82 women serve in India’s Parliament, constituting about 15.2% of the Lok Sabha and 13% of the Rajya Sabha.
- Safety and Mobility: Ensuring women’s safety and mobility, particularly in public spaces, remains a major challenge. For instance, according to the NCRB report, India recorded over 405,861 cases of crimes against women in 2021, including 32,033 cases of rape.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Enforcement: Enhancing the implementation of existing laws, along with stricter penalties for gender-based violence, will ensure a safer environment for women.
- Promoting Economic Empowerment and Education: Expanding access to education, financial resources, and skill-building opportunities for women can bridge economic disparities, empowering them to take leadership roles in governance, business, and community development.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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