The time for incremental progress has passed. Bold policy measures, cultural shifts, and institutional support are required to break the barriers that hinder women’s leadership.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 now enacted and set to be implemented after the census and delimitation exercise marks a significant milestone in ensuring greater representation for women in governance. As the nation prepares for this transition, continued public discourse remains crucial to holding stakeholders accountable and fostering a more inclusive political landscape.
The participation of women in public policy is not merely a matter of equality; it is a prerequisite for creating governance structures that are inclusive, equitable, and reflective of diverse societal needs. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and the right to public office, women in India remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making roles. Historical exclusion, systemic barriers, and entrenched biases continue to hinder their full involvement in shaping policies that affect millions.
India’s journey toward gender parity in governance has been marked by both progress and persistent challenges. While the country ratified the Convention on the Political Rights of Women in 1961, the representation of women in positions of power remains dismally low. To date, India has had only one female prime minister, Indira Gandhi, and two female presidents, Pratibha Patil and Droupadi Murmu. This stark gender imbalance in leadership roles underscores the systemic obstacles women face in ascending to positions of influence.
Barriers to women’s participation
The underrepresentation of women in policymaking can be attributed to a complex interplay of societal, economic, and institutional factors. Deep-rooted and rigid gender roles often confine women to domestic spheres. Financial constraints further exacerbate this issue, as women from lower-income backgrounds struggle to access the resources needed to pursue political careers.
Institutional barriers also play a significant role. Workplace cultures in government and political institutions are often hostile to women, with harassment and sexism remaining pervasive issues. According to a 2018 study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), 82 per cent of women parliamentarians globally reported experiencing psychological violence, and 44 per cent reported receiving threats of death, rape, or assault. In India, the lack of transparency in recruitment and promotion processes within government institutions further limits women’s advancement. The gender pay gap persists even in high-level policymaking roles, reinforcing the economic disincentives for women to pursue careers in governance.
Moreover, the unequal distribution of unpaid care work disproportionately burdens women, limiting their ability to engage in professional and political activities. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), women in India spend nearly 297 minutes per day on unpaid care work, compared to just 31 minutes spent by men. This disparity not only restricts women’s time but also perpetuates traditional gender roles that hinder their participation in public life.
Yet, the presence of women in policymaking has been shown to yield tangible benefits. Studies have demonstrated that women-led village councils in India prioritise investments in critical infrastructure such as drinking water, roads, and education. A 2010 study by the World Bank found that women leaders in local governments in India were more likely to invest in public goods that directly benefit their communities, particularly in areas related to health and education.
Globally, countries with higher female representation in parliament tend to pass stronger gender-sensitive legislation. For instance, Rwanda, which has the highest percentage of women in parliament (61.3 per cent), has enacted comprehensive laws addressing gender-based violence and promoting women’s economic empowerment. In India, women legislators have been instrumental in advocating for inclusive development policies, demonstrating a greater sensitivity to issues such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Slow progress of gender mainstreaming
While there have been notable strides in advancing women’s participation in public policy, gender mainstreaming remains slow. Many policies aimed at empowering women lack effective implementation, and economic policies often sideline their contributions. For example, despite the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, which mandates a 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, ensuring that their voices are equally valued in decision-making remains a challenge.
Economic policies frequently reinforce traditional gender roles, failing to recognise the significant contributions women make to the economy. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, advancing gender equality in India could add $770 billion to the country’s GDP by 2025. Yet, women’s economic participation remains low, with only 20.3 per cent of women in the labour force as of 2021, according to the World Bank.
Path forward
To accelerate gender parity in policymaking and governance, a multi-stakeholder approach is essential. Government policies, corporate initiatives, and societal change must work in tandem to dismantle barriers and create an enabling environment for women.
The implementation of a 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures is a critical step toward boosting female political representation and decision-making power. This policy has the potential to transform the political landscape, ensuring that women’s voices are heard at the highest levels of governance. Providing young women with access to quality education and leadership training programmes is essential in preparing them for roles in governance and business.
The private sector must play a proactive role in promoting gender diversity. Companies should implement mentorship programs, leadership training, and equal pay policies to ensure that women have equal opportunities to advance in their careers. Ensuring the safety of women in politics through legal protections, anti-harassment policies, and support networks is crucial for encouraging greater participation. The establishment of robust mechanisms to address harassment and violence against women in political spaces is imperative.
The success of leaders like Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to enter politics and leadership roles. Showcasing these role models can encourage more women to step forward and pursue careers in governance.
Achieving gender parity in policymaking is not just a moral imperative; it is a necessity for a progressive and equitable society. Women’s leadership is a catalyst for economic growth, social development, and transparent governance. While India has made notable strides, the journey toward equal representation is far from over.
The time for incremental progress has passed. Bold policy measures, cultural shifts, and institutional support are required to break the barriers that hinder women’s leadership. The data is clear: When women lead, societies thrive. It is time for India to fully embrace this truth and take decisive action to empower women in public policy.
The writer is associate fellow (Macroeconomist), NCAER Centre for Gender and Macroeconomy. Views are personal.
