Women’s involvement in politics in India provides them with a stronger social status and is very important for the society as a whole. This issue matters even more in Punjab because women have not been given a major role in politics.
Even now, women are mostly involved in voting and have very few roles in politics, policy, administration, business, or the highest levels in academia. The irony becomes stronger when it is clear that women have done well in any leadership roles they have been assigned. Even so, women do not have the same level of participation in democratic government.
Problems that Keep Women From Participating in Politics
There are several challenges that make it hard for women to take part in political life. Barriers also exist in the form of rules and systems made by institutions that stop women from running for office or leading people.
Besides, things like a lack of knowledge, few resources, no powerful contacts, and not many leadership development chances keep people from going into politics. Compared to men, women have less social capital required to enter the political arena.
Not only this, family and social expectations also discourage women from joining politics. Traditional thinking believes that politics is a “men’s field” and women being active in it is considered contrary to family values or social prestige.
Importance of women’s participation in public life
Active public participation of women in any society is necessary not only for their own development, but also helps in the progress of the entire society. When women move forward in the political field, they become an inspiration for other women. This helps in breaking harmful stereotypes and gender biases at the social level.
In addition, women’s participation in peace-building processes is also extremely important. Women’s perspective, sensitivity and collaborative leadership style promote a harmonious environment in the society.
Importance of Women’s Role in Policy Making
History is witness to the fact that women have long been marginalized in various social spheres. Improvement in their overall status is possible only when they are strongly represented at the level of policy making and implementation.Politics is an area where important decisions are taken which determine how resources are distributed. If women are not involved at this level, their needs and interests will not get proper representation.
Political power is not only related to the distribution of resources, but it also impacts other structures of society such as family and education system. Political leaders are able to make laws and also have the power to implement them. If women are not present during these decisions, their interests may be overlooked. Therefore, it is extremely important that women actively participate in these decisive areas of power.
Views of scholars
Rajeshwari Deshpande (2011) while discussing the participation of women in the 2004 general elections, has termed it as a positive sign towards the political empowerment of women in the future and their strengthening in politics.
However, she also clarified that it is not yet decided whether these indicators will be able to organize women to take decisions on social and economic problems or not, because the priorities of women of different social classes are different. Manuka Khanna’s article ‘Political Participation of Women in India’ mentions that India had adopted freedom, equality and justice as its ideals at the time of independence, which awakened a sense of security and equal treatment among women.
In today’s time, women are becoming aware of their autonomy and civil rights. Khanna believes that if women are not included in the political process, then the policies will only reflect the views of men and the interests of women will be ignored. Renu Sethi, in her article ‘Determinants of Women’s Active Political Participation’, raises two fundamental questions. Does male dominance in power processes arise from women’s choices or male-imposed pressure or both?
Is male dominance natural or socially constructed?
- Sethi argues that simply observing that very few women participate in upper-level politics does not fully explain their low participation.
- There are deeper social, economic and cultural factors involved.
- Susan Gleeson’s article ‘Women’s Political Participation and Health in India’ analyses what factors influence voting participation.
- She highlights the ‘costs’ of voting (such as time to gather information, travel to the polling booth, etc.).
- She argues that people with more education or those who have less time to spend are more likely to vote.
- She also mentions that social status and wealth influence eligibility for politics.
Analysis of Women’s Political Participation in Punjab
Women’s participation in Punjab politics is increasing, but there is still a need for improvement at many levels. In rural areas, women often vote under the influence of men in the family. The situation is slightly better in urban areas, but the number of women in political leadership roles is still limited.
Punjab witnessed a positive trend in women’s participation in the 2022 assembly elections. Women-centric promises of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) such as cash assistance, education, improvement in health services, etc. attracted women voters. The increasing voting percentage of women indicated that if the right issues are raised and women are kept at the center, their political awareness and participation can be further increased.
Reasons for low participation
- Socio-familial pressure
- Lack of education and awareness
- Male dominance in politics
- Lack of resources (money, time, network)
- Institutional barriers and gender bias
Suggestions for improvement
- Political parties should reserve more tickets for women.
- Grooming women through leadership development programmes.
- Promoting education and awareness campaigns.
- Promoting positive images of women leaders through the media.
- Empowering women’s participation in local bodies.
- Ensuring safe political and public spaces for women.
Conclusion
Much still needs to be done to increase women’s political participation in Punjab and India. Their equal participation in politics is not only morally right for society, but it is also practically necessary so that decision-making processes can become inclusive and equitable If political parties and governments take concrete steps and strongly promote the concept of gender equality in society, then in the near future we can see women playing a more effective role at every level of politics.
