Zainab Fathima, B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), TNDALU
ABSTRACT
An important criterion for measuring success in addressing gender disparities in the nation is the representation of women in the Indian Parliament. India, the world's largest and one of the most resilient parliamentary democracies, with 685 million women in its population. This study provides a historical overview of the development in women's representation in Parliament throughout the years as the nation marks its 75th anniversary of independence. It contrasts the representation of women in parliament with their percentage of legislative posts at lower levels. Women's political empowerment is a social process that is critical to development and progress, yet they continue to be significantly underrepresented in positions of power. Although there has been has been a noticeable increase in the number of women voting in elections, the opening up of political spaces for women has been a stagnant process due to ingrained structural limitations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges, statistical data, comparative analysis, and empowerment of women political participation in India. There are various factors such as economic, religious, social, and cultural that have contributed to women's low political participation in the country. Women's participation in politics is critical for ensuring women's rightful place in society, allowing them to decide their own fate, and for the growth of genuine and sustainable democracy. This will not only boost their self-esteem, but will also pave the way for their social and economic empowerment. This paper contends that a combination of institutional change and socioeconomic liberation will lead to a rise in the engagement of women in electoral politics.
