In the compelling editorial, “Unlocking Women’s Political Power: Bridging the Gap Between Rhetoric and Action,” the author delves into the critical examination of the apparent disjunction between the rhetoric surrounding women’s political empowerment and the tangible actions taken to bridge this gap. The piece underscores the urgency of moving beyond mere words and aspirational declarations, calling for concrete steps that translate promises into substantive changes. By scrutinizing the current landscape, the analysis elucidates the persistent challenges that impede women’s full participation in politics. It challenges readers to question whether the discourse on women’s political power has translated into meaningful policies and institutional shifts. This editorial serves as a poignant call to action, urging society to align its rhetoric with genuine efforts to dismantle barriers and pave the way for the unfettered and impactful political participation of women.
Tag: GS-1 Women and Women related issues
In News:
The sparse inclusion of women candidates in recent Assembly elections, despite a new law, reveals a lack of political commitment to women’s empowerment.
The State of Women in Politics and Bureaucracy
In Politics
- According to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), women constitute 14.44% of the 17th Lok Sabha in India.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) reports that, as of October 2021, women make up 10.5% of all Members of Parliament.
- The representation of female MLAs in state assemblies’ averages around 9%. India’s ranking in this context has declined in recent years, trailing behind countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
In Bureaucracy
- Despite initiatives facilitating free applications for women candidates in various public service jobs, their participation remains low.
- According to Indian Administrative Services (IAS) data and the central government’s 2011 employment census, women accounted for less than 11% of total employees, a figure that increased to 13% in 2020.
- In 2022, only 14% of IAS Secretaries were women.
- Across Indian states and union territories, there are only three women chief secretaries, and India has never had a woman cabinet secretary.
- Women have not held positions as Secretaries of Home, Finance, Defence, and Personnel.
Challenges Leading to the Underrepresentation of Women in Politics and Bureaucracy
Patriarchal Mindset
- Preconceived notions about women’s inferiority impact their perceived ability to lead and participate in these domains.
Social Norms and Stereotypes
- Traditional gender roles and societal expectations discourage women from pursuing political careers
Limited Access to Education
- Historical barriers to education for women impede their political participation.
Limited Representation in Political Parties
- Underrepresentation of women in political parties hampers their progression and nomination for elections.
- Gender biases within parties contribute to the perception that women are less electable than men.
Violence and Harassment
- Women in politics face various forms of violence and harassment, both physical and online, creating a hostile environment.
Unequal Opportunities
- Inequalities in opportunities, such as lower salaries and limited access to resources and networks, hinder women’s competitiveness against male counterparts.
Structural Impediments
- Structural impediments, including distant postings, patriarchal conditioning, and the challenge of balancing family commitments, discourage women from pursuing civil services.
Enhancing Women’s Representation in Politics
- Implementing seat reservations for women in legislative bodies, as seen in states like Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, where a percentage of seats are exclusively reserved for women in local bodies
- Political parties should actively ensure adequate representation of women in candidate selection for elections.
- Special efforts should be made to recruit and prioritize women candidates, particularly in winnable seats.
- Conducting education and training programs to empower women in politics, building their confidence, enhancing their skill sets, and providing insights into the intricacies of political involvement.
- Encouraging and supporting local women leaders through mentorship programs and other initiatives to foster their growth and participation in politics.
- Taking measures to address violence against women in politics, including awareness campaigns and creating safe environments to ensure the safety and security of women involved in political activities.
- Addressing social and cultural barriers such as patriarchy and gender norms through campaigns, educational programs, and initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
- Providing support for work-life balance, including flexible schedules, childcare facilities, and parental leave to assist women in managing their political responsibilities alongside family and personal commitments.
- Enhancing the visibility and recognition of women in politics, acknowledging their achievements to inspire other women to engage in politics and fostering a culture of gender equality in the political arena.
- Introducing innovative initiatives like the Kerala government’s decision to grant menstrual leave for female students in state universities under the Department of Higher Education.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Mains (2019) Q.1 What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? Mains (2021) Q.2 Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. |
Source: TH
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main focus of “Unlocking Women’s Political Power: Bridging the Gap Between Rhetoric and Action” editorial?
A1: The editorial primarily focuses on examining the disparity between the rhetoric surrounding women’s political empowerment and the actual steps taken to bring about tangible change.
Q2: Why does the editorial highlight the need to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action in women’s political empowerment?
A2: The editorial underscores the urgency of moving beyond verbal commitments and aspirational language, emphasizing the necessity for concrete actions to ensure the genuine empowerment of women in politics.
Q3: What challenges does the editorial identify that hinder women’s full participation in politics?
A3: The analysis elucidates persistent challenges such as institutional barriers, gender biases, and societal norms that continue to impede the complete and equitable participation of women in political processes.
Q4: How does the editorial call for a shift from rhetoric to action in promoting women’s political power?
A4: The editorial challenges readers to critically assess whether the rhetoric on women’s political empowerment has translated into substantive policies and institutional changes, urging for a more concerted effort to turn promises into impactful realities.
Q5: What is the overarching message conveyed by the editorial on unlocking women’s political power?
A5: The editorial serves as a poignant call to action, emphasizing the imperative of aligning rhetoric with genuine efforts to dismantle barriers, advocating for meaningful policies, and creating an environment conducive to the full and impactful political participation of women.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
