Reservation for women in legislative bodies is a vital step for achieving gender equality

The Women's Reservation Bill would now be tabled before the Rajya Sabha, whose assent is necessary before it is sent for the President's approval.

India still has the continued challenge of gender inequality, despite the past 75 years of the preamble of the Indian Constitution, along with its Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles, having enshrined equal status for women.

Over the years, India has taken significant strides in safeguarding women's rights within their homes and workplaces through various progressive laws and measures. This included various laws such as the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act of 1956, the amended Dowry Prohibition Act of 1986, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act of 1986. Additionally, there are Acts such as the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which ensures that men and women receive equal pay for equal work, addressing sex-based discrimination in employment. The Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 provides essential job security and wage protection to women during the crucial periods before and after pregnancy.

Mass campaigns like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission have added awareness and on-ground efforts to improve the mainstreaming of this topic. Policy measures to address the financial inclusion of women particularly through the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity and direct benefit transfer (DBT) give women personal control over finances. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, tap water supply and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have collectively eased women's lives and offered them more freedom and better health.

Ensuring financial independence for women in a still-patriarchal society is indeed a formidable challenge. The entrenched gender norms and biases that have been perpetuated for generations can create formidable barriers. Changing mindsets and cultural norms requires a multifaceted approach involving education, awareness and legal reforms. By challenging traditional stereotypes and promoting gender equality from early childhood education to corporate boardrooms, we can slowly erode the foundations of patriarchy. Empowering women economically not only benefits them but also contributes to the overall progress and prosperity of society.

Catalyst For Change

The long-pending increased representation of women in the legislatures,  to earmark opportunities for women at all levels of legislative governance, can be a catalyst for change. It's imperative that the bill to reserve 33 percent of legislative seats for women is enacted. However, this change should go beyond quotas; it necessitates a transformation in mindset and financial independence. Such a shift will likely take a generation, but it is essential for dispelling doubts about the effectiveness of these reforms.

This is not merely a matter of political participation but a fundamental step towards gender equality. It would add impetus to policies likely to be formulated with a gender-sensitive lens, further advancing the elusive goal of equity. Despite boorish reservations that women could be used as puppet lawmakers by their families, this reservation would be a game changer. Simply because, greater representation of women in legislative roles can facilitate improved access to education, employment, entrepreneurship and financial resources, while also serving as a source of inspiration for women to pursue careers, manage their finances and actively participate in economic endeavours.

A positive tool that enables such a possibility is the increased adoption of the Digital India framework; with a focus on reducing information arbitrage, improved access to finance, and social awareness, it can be a powerful catalyst in fast-tracking these women empowerment reforms. Empowering women digitally will enable them to make informed decisions, access financial resources, and participate actively in the political process.

There exists a profound and positive correlation between women's empowerment, financial independence, and increased participation in legislative bodies. When women are financially independent, they gain the confidence and resources to actively engage in the political sphere, making their voices heard and contributing to policy decisions that reflect their perspectives and needs. This synergy creates a virtuous cycle: as women participate more in legislative roles, they can advocate for policies that further empower women economically.

However, this interdependence highlights the importance of continuous efforts and policies aimed at achieving gender equality in India. It is not a one-time endeavour but a long-term commitment that involves dismantling entrenched biases, creating inclusive opportunities, and fostering a society where women's economic empowerment and political participation are not just ideals but lived realities. Such sustained efforts are pivotal to building a more equitable and prosperous India for all.

Dakshita Das is a policy expert & former civil servant. Ninupta Srinath is a policy researcher & law student. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.