Women MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha

Current Status of Women’s Representation

1. Declining Numbers:
   • 74 women MPs were elected to the 18th Lok Sabha (2024), down from 78 in the 17th Lok Sabha (2019).
   • Proportion in Parliament:
     • 13.6% of total seats (543) in 2024, a dip from 14.4% in 2019.
     • Global Ranking: India ranks 143rd out of 190 countries in women’s parliamentary representation, far below the global average of 26.9% (IPU, 2024).
   • State-wise Variation:
     • West Bengal leads with 14 women MPs, followed by Uttar Pradesh (11) and Odisha (8).
     • States like Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Goa have zero women MPs.
2. Election Dynamics:
   • Success Rate: Only 9.7% of women candidates won in 2024, down from 10.74% in 2019.
   • Party Performance:
     • BJP fielded 73 women (13.6% of its candidates), of whom 31 won.
     • Congress fielded 41 women (12.5% of its candidates), with 6 winning.
   • Rajya Sabha Comparison: Women constitute 14% of the Upper House (2024), marginally higher than the Lok Sabha.

Key Challenges for Women in Politics

1. Structural Barriers:
   • Patriarchal Norms: Deep-rooted gender biases in political parties and voter preferences.
     • Example: Only 10% of party spokespersons in India are women.
   • Financial Constraints: High election costs (average ₹5–10 crore per Lok Sabha seat) disproportionately affect women, who often lack access to funding networks.
   • Safety Concerns:
     • Online Harassment: Female politicians face targeted abuse, with 58% reporting threats on social media (Amnesty International, 2023).
     • Physical Security: Lack of safe campaigning environments in rural areas.
2. Institutional Neglect:
   • Delayed Implementation of Women’s Reservation Bill: The Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill, 2023, reserving 33% seats for women, awaits delimitation and census exercises (likely delayed until 2026–27).
   • Tokenism: Parties often field women in “safe seats” or unwinnable constituencies.
3. Cultural Stigma:
   • Women are stereotyped as lacking “electability” or leadership skills.
   • Family responsibilities and societal pressure deter many from entering politics.

Global Comparisons and Lessons

1. Top Performers:
   • Rwanda (61% women in parliament): Achieved through quotas and grassroots mobilization.
   • New Zealand (50% women): Gender-balanced cabinets and party reforms.
2. India’s Lag:
   • South Asia’s average is 19.4% (Pakistan: 20%, Bangladesh: 21%).

Way Forward

1. Immediate Measures:
   • Implement Women’s Reservation Bill: Fast-track delimitation and census to activate the 33% quota.
   • Financial Support:
     • Double state funding for women candidates (proposed ₹60 lakh per candidate under the Electoral Bond replacement scheme).
     • Tax incentives for donations to women-led campaigns.
   • Safety Mechanisms:
     • Enforce the Code of Conduct for Political Parties (ECI, 2023) to curb online abuse.
     • Deploy all-women police teams during elections.
2. Institutional Reforms:
   • Internal Party Quotas: Mandate parties to reserve 33% tickets for women (as in Nepal and South Africa).
   • Training Programs: Launch mentorship initiatives (e.g., NIRBHAYA scheme for women in governance).
3. Cultural Shifts:
   • Media Campaigns: Highlight role models like Smt. Draupadi Murmu (President) and Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance Minister).
   • Grassroots Mobilization: Expand programs like Mahila Shakti Kendra to train women for panchayat-to-parliament roles.

Impact of Greater Representation

• Policy Outcomes: Countries with higher women’s representation prioritize healthcare, education, and anti-poverty measures.
  • Example: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao saw better implementation in constituencies with women MPs.
• Economic Growth: Closing the gender gap in politics could add $700 billion to India’s GDP by 2025 (McKinsey, 2020).

Conclusion

While the dip in women’s Lok Sabha representation is concerning, it underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms. Implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill, enhancing financial and security support, and dismantling patriarchal norms are critical to achieving gender parity. Empowering women in politics is not just about equity—it is a prerequisite for India’s inclusive and sustainable development.