A Road to true gender equality in politics

The passage of bills in the Lok Sabha granting 33 per cent reservation for women in the assemblies of Jammu & Kashmir and Puducherry is a welcome step, albeit a long overdue one. It brings these Union Territories under the umbrella of the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in September 2023, finally extending the promise of increased political representation to women across India. For far too long, the halls of power have echoed with the disproportionate voices of men, failing to reflect the diverse tapestry of our nation. This exclusion has historically marginalized women, hindering their participation in shaping the laws and policies that govern their lives. The 33% reservation, while not a panacea, is a crucial step towards rectifying this imbalance. However, celebrating this progress would be remiss without acknowledging the qualifiers attached to the implementation. The reservation will only come into effect after delimitation, a process currently scheduled for post-2024 census. This delay, while understandable, creates a frustrating limbo, leaving women waiting for their rightful place at the decision-making table. Furthermore, the 15-year sunset clause attached to the reservation raises concerns. While the intent – to encourage organic growth of women’s political participation – is noble, it risks undermining the very foundation of equality. Guaranteeing representation for a limited period implies women’s capacity and merit are conditional, not inherent. This undermines the principle of equal citizenship and fuels the dangerous narrative that women need a temporary crutch to compete in the political arena. The road to true gender equality in politics demands more than just legislative mandates. It requires dismantling deeply entrenched patriarchal structures that continue to limit women’s opportunities and aspirations. It necessitates a societal shift, where women are not seen as token representatives but as equal stakeholders in shaping their own destinies and the destiny of the nation. Therefore, while applauding the passage of these bills, we must remain vigilant. We must demand timely implementation, advocate for the removal of the sunset clause, and work tirelessly to foster a political landscape where women’s voices are not just heard, but actively sought and amplified. Only then can we truly claim to have built a nation where equality is not just a promise, but a lived reality for all.