Date : 8/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 2 - Polity, Social Justice

Keywords: EWRs, Political Empowerment, Women's Reservation Bill, Local Bodies

Context-

The last three decades have witnessed a significant transformation in Indian local governance, marked by the implementation of women's reservations in panchayats through the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments. This article aims to explore the impact of these reservations, recognizing the achievements, highlighting the challenges faced by elected women representatives (EWRs), and suggesting measures for a more inclusive and effective political landscape. As the long-awaited Women's Reservation Bill, securing legislative seats for women, becomes a reality, it is crucial to draw lessons from the experiences of women in local government.

Significant Strides in Women's Political Empowerment:

The constitutional amendments, introduced 30 years ago, reserved one-third of seats for women in local administrative bodies, resulting in the elevation of over 1.4 million women to leadership positions. Remarkably, India stands as one of the top-performing countries globally in women's political empowerment at the local level, surpassing major nations like France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. Currently, approximately 44 percent of seats in local bodies across India are held by women.

Encouraged by the positive impact of women's political participation, several states have expanded the quota for women representatives, with 20 states now having reservations for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) set at 50 percent. In some instances, such as Karnataka, women have exceeded this threshold, demonstrating success in electoral wards not specifically reserved for them.

Empowering Women at the Grassroots:

Panchayat-level politics has proven to be a vital platform for women's participation in public life, contributing significantly to decision-making structures and boosting their agency and self-confidence. Studies reveal that EWRs at the panchayat level are associated with lower levels of corruption and exhibit efficient leadership in developmental initiatives, including investments in health, education, and the improvement of rural water facilities.

Moreover, the presence of women in local governance has influenced policy choices, aligning them more closely with women's needs and concerns. EWRs have played a pivotal role in addressing gender-related issues, providing crucial support for cases of domestic violence and child marriage. Their entry into non-traditional spaces challenges prevailing gender norms in rural India, acting as inspirations and role models for other women to engage in politics.

Challenges Faced by EWRs:

Despite these positive developments, women representatives encounter institutional and societal challenges distinct from their male counterparts. The policy of rotating reserved seats every five years poses a significant barrier to the continuity of women's political careers. This impediment prevents female candidates from leveraging their experience across terms, often leading them to return to domestic roles after a single term in office.

Additionally, the gender digital divide, especially prevalent in rural India, poses a challenge to women representatives. As local governments embrace digitization for public service delivery, low digital literacy among women hampers their administrative functions. A survey in Bihar highlighted that only 63 percent of EWR participants owned a phone, with just 24 percent possessing a smartphone.

Certain states have implemented restrictive measures such as the two-child norm and minimum education qualifications for contesting elections, inadvertently limiting women's entry into politics. Financial constraints further hinder women's participation, as they are often from lower economic groups compared to their male counterparts. Financial support from political parties and the state is essential to encourage more women to engage in politics.

Gender-based discrimination remains pervasive, with many women representatives reporting feeling ignored in panchayats due to their gender. Administrative roles are often dominated by men, making it challenging for women to interact effectively with officials, line departments, and police. In some cases, women leaders are elected as proxy candidates, controlled by male members of their family and community, perpetuating a concerning trend.

Despite their administrative achievements, women leaders receive less favorable assessments from constituents than their male counterparts. Issues such as perceived incompetence and challenges in balancing work and household responsibilities persist, indicating the need for targeted interventions to address these concerns.

The Way Forward:

Addressing the existing challenges in women's participation at the local level requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, revisiting the policy of rotating reserved seats and providing opportunities for women to contest from general unreserved seats can contribute to the continuity of their political careers. Digital literacy programs tailored for women in rural areas are essential to bridge the gender digital divide and enhance the efficiency of women representatives in their administrative roles.

Policy changes, such as reevaluating the two-child norm and minimum education qualifications, can eliminate inadvertent barriers to women's entry into politics. Financial support for women leaders, both as contestants and representatives, is crucial to overcoming economic constraints. Furthermore, initiatives to address gender-based discrimination and empower women leaders in dealing with external bodies can enhance their effectiveness in local governance.

Conclusion

The journey of women's reservations in panchayats over the past 30 years has been transformative, elevating millions of women to leadership positions and reshaping local governance dynamics. While acknowledging the positive impact, it is crucial to confront the challenges faced by women representatives and implement measures for their empowerment. As the Women's Reservation Bill opens new avenues for women in legislative seats, drawing lessons from the achievements and failures in local government can guide future efforts towards strengthening the political agency of women and fostering more meaningful participation in national and state legislatures. Ultimately, empowering women in local governance is not just a matter of tokenistic representation but a pathway to inclusive and effective democracy.

Source- ORF