The Imperative of Gender Equality in Indian Politics
Women's active involvement in the political arena has long been a contentious issue, particularly within the ever-evolving landscape of Indian politics. Despite their crucial contributions to social and political progress, women encounter significant barriers that hinder their participation. Societal norms, cultural biases, and systemic inequities converge to marginalize women from political discourse, both domestically and internationally. Numerous stereotypes persist, portraying women as inherently unsuitable for leadership roles, often perpetuated by entrenched patriarchal structures (Kebede & Alemayehu, 2020). Additionally, factors such as limited funding, societal pressures related to marriage, childbirth, religious beliefs, and traditional norms further hinder women's political participation, particularly in developing nations like India.
Examining Indian general elections offers valuable insights into the shifting landscape of women's involvement in Indian politics. The evolution of women's participation in Indian politics has seen significant strides, particularly evidenced by the notable surge in female voter turnout since the 1990s, culminating in the 2014 Lok Sabha (Lower House) elections with a remarkable 65.6% turnout (Rai, 2017). Despite this progress, the disparity between male and female representation remains palpable, with India ranking 141st out of 193 countries in terms of women's representation in legislative bodies (Rai, 2017). A scan of national governments in India over the years reveals that few women have held posts of cabinet ministers, with almost all crucial portfolios occupied by men (Rai, 2017). Additionally, the low proportion of women in the inner political party structure further erodes women's efforts to lobby for resources and support, hindering their political mobilization and constituency-building endeavors.
In more recent elections, such as those in 2014 and 2019, there have been notable shifts in women's political representation. The 2019 election, however, was marred by incidents of gendered violence against women candidates, contributing to a characterization of the election as ‘toxic’ (Spary, 2020). This toxic environment not only deters women from entering politics but also perpetuates a hostile atmosphere that hampers their active engagement in the political process. While the 2019 election didn't see a substantial rise in the percentage of women contesting as candidates, there was a notable uptick in the number of women who secured seats as Members of Parliament (Spary, 2020). Women in Indian politics confront challenges due to gendered electoral environments characterized by pervasive misogyny and contentious campaigning.
The Women's Reservation Bill 2023, advocating for a 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies, stands as a significant legislative initiative to address gender disparities in political representation (Shamdasani, 2023). However, the limited implementation of such measures underscores the systemic barriers that continue to obstruct women's full engagement in politics. Despite some headway, persistent issues such as gendered violence, internal party impediments, and inadequate enforcement of gender equality measures underscore the ongoing struggle for women in Indian politics.
SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS:
In Indian society, misogyny and the prevalence of patriarchal norms permeate various facets of life, shaping attitudes and behaviours toward women. Rooted in deeply entrenched cultural beliefs and historical legacies, misogyny manifests in myriad forms, ranging from overt discrimination to subtle yet pervasive gender biases. Patriarchal structures dictate social, economic, and political dynamics, relegating women to subordinate roles and perpetuating inequalities.
While examining the roles and experiences of women village council presidents (Sarpanchs) in India, it becomes evident that traditional gender roles significantly influence their political engagement. Many of these women describe their political work as intricately linked to their relationships with male relatives, such as husbands and sons. This dependence on male relatives underscores the enduring influence of patriarchal norms within society, where women's agency and autonomy are often constrained by familial dynamics (Patel et al., 2021).
Furthermore, the manifestation of traditional gender roles extends beyond the realm of political responsibilities for women village council presidents. Despite their leadership positions, many of these women predominantly identify themselves as "housewives," emblematic of the societal pressure for women to prioritize domestic duties over professional or political pursuits (Lawrence & Hensly, 2023). This self-identification subtly hints at the systemic inequalities and societal expectations that continue to shape women's roles and opportunities within the political landscape.
An examination of the control of income further illuminates the power dynamics at play within these relationships. The entrenched patriarchal structures that influence women's economic autonomy can be seen in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana where women sarpanches report husbands wielding control over income. Moreover, 82.7 percent of women sarpanches in Haryana serve as mere "stand-ins" or have their roles performed by male proxies (Lawrence & Hensly, 2023). These issues underscore the systematic challenges and limited agency faced by women within patriarchal frameworks.
Regardless of professional accomplishments, women are frequently expected to fulfill traditional domestic responsibilities, which include caregiving, household chores and nurturing familial relationships. These patriarchal norms, dictate rigid gender roles and reinforce the notion of women as primary caretakers and homemakers. These societal expectations impose the burden of multiple roles upon women limiting their active participation.
MEDIA REPRESENTATION:
The intersection of character assassination and misogynistic attacks against female candidates with the media's portrayal of women highlights the complex dynamics shaping women's participation in Indian politics. The representation of women politicians, such as Sushma Swaraj and Jayalalitha, often focuses on superficial aspects like personal characteristics, attire, and demeanour, rather than highlighting their political acumen and contributions to social welfare and development issues (Bathla, 2004). This emphasis on superficial traits can overshadow the substantive work and policy initiatives undertaken by these women leaders, potentially undermining their credibility and expertise in the eyes of the public.
For example, Jayalalitha, a prominent political figure, was often depicted as bold and determined in the media. However, she was also portrayed as opportunistic, corrupt, and arrogant, with media coverage focusing extensively on her personal adornments and extravagant lifestyle rather than her political achievements (Bathla, 2004). Similarly, Sushma Swaraj, known for her ability to balance family responsibilities with a successful political career, faced media scrutiny that tended to dwell more on her personal life rather than her professional accomplishments, potentially diminishing her political stature in the eyes of the public (Bathla, 2004).
The media's portrayal of women politicians in India is not devoid of biases and stereotypes. Women candidates in elections often face harsh judgments about their character and moral integrity, with instances of misogynistic slurs and character attacks being prevalent (Spary, 2020). Gender-based discrimination is perpetuated and progress toward gender equality in politics is hindered by the toxic environment that media representations generate, which can have an impact on women's willingness to actively participate in politics and seek leadership posts.
Furthermore, the media's depiction of women leaders like Rabri Devi and Nirmala Sitharaman reflects entrenched patriarchal norms and gender biases. Rabri Devi, for instance, was advised to remain veiled and confined to the private sphere, reinforcing traditional gender roles and limiting her agency in the public domain (Vincent & Kumari, 2023). On the other hand, Nirmala Sitharaman's defence of government decisions was often interpreted through a gendered lens, with her actions being framed as an attempt to defend male leadership rather than being evaluated on their merits, highlighting the challenges women face in being taken seriously in positions of power (Vincent & Kumari, 2023).
The Media's representation of women in Indian politics is a critical factor in shaping public perceptions and influencing women's political trajectories. By focusing on superficial attributes and perpetuating gender stereotypes, the media can either empower or hinder women's political aspirations. It is imperative to critically analyze and challenge these portrayals to create a more inclusive and equitable political landscape that encourages women's active participation and leadership in Indian politics.
The media's portrayal often erects obstacles for women in politics by prioritizing surface-level traits over substantive achievements, eclipsing their political prowess. This emphasis on superficial aspects perpetuates damaging stereotypes, eroding women's credibility and potential impact. Moreover, the prevalence of character attacks and misogynistic smears in media coverage compounds these challenges, fostering a hostile climate that dissuades female engagement in politics and the pursuit of leadership roles. Consequently, the media's skewed representations hinder women's progress, constraining their opportunities for growth and equitable representation in the political domain.
It is critical to recognize that while strides have been made in women's political engagement in India, substantial obstacles remain. These barriers are deeply embedded in the societal, cultural, and systemic frameworks that dictate the dynamics of political participation. The challenges are manifold—ranging from gendered violence that dissuades women from political involvement to entrenched stereotypes within political parties and the media that undermine their roles as leaders.
As we move forward, it is important to foster an environment where women are not just participants but leaders in the political process. This involves creating safe and supportive spaces for women to engage in politics, ensuring equitable access to resources, and dismantling the patriarchal structures that hinder their progress. Education and advocacy are powerful tools in this battle, as is the need for solidarity among women to support and uplift each other.
The journey towards gender equality in Indian politics is long and arduous, but it is a journey that must be undertaken with unwavering resolve. For a democracy to be truly representative and just, it must reflect the voices and aspirations of all its citizens. Empowering women in politics is not just about fairness; it is about enriching the democratic fabric with diverse perspectives that drive meaningful and inclusive progress. The time to act is now, for the future of Indian democracy hinges on the active participation and leadership of its women.
References:
Bathla, S. (2004). Gender construction in the media: A study of two Indian women politicians. Asian Journal of Women’s Studies, 10(3), 7–34.
https://doi.org/10.1080/12259276.2004.11665973
Kebede, A., & Alemayehu, A. (2020). Issues which are Prejudicing Active Political Participation of Women in City Administration Council: The Case of Woldia City Administration Council, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR), 7(1), 283-291.
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Lawrence, P. G., & Hensly, C. (2023). Gender-based policies and the role of patriarchal norms: Evidence from Northern India. Feminist Economics, 29(2), 252–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/13545701.2023.2168025
Patel, T., Romani, L., Oberoi, P., & Ramasamy, C. (2021). Gender role encapsulation as resistance to patriarchy: Women politicians’ work and gender equality in India. Organization, 30(2), 307–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508421995764
Rai, P. (2017). Women’s participation in electoral politics in India. South Asia Research, 37(1), 58–77. https://doi.org/10.1177/0262728016675529
Shamdasani, R. (2023, September 22). India – passing of women’s reservation bill. United Nations Human Rights | Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2023/09/india-passing-womens-reservati on-bill
Spary, C. (2020). Women candidates, Women Voters, and the Gender Politics of India’s 2019 parliamentary election. Contemporary South Asia, 28(2), 223–241. https://doi.org/10.1080/09584935.2020.1765987
Vincent, A., & Kumari, R. (2023). Misogyny in election discourse: Analysing the 2019 General Elections in India. Discourse & Society, 34(5), 636–665. https://doi.org/10.1177/09579265231166239
About the author:
Anshu Saroha is an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia, where she studies International Relations. Her academic interests include gender, development, and global policy in Global Majority communities.
