Women’s reservation Bill cannot wait any longer

Subject :polity

Sec: Parliament

Concept :

It is disheartening to witness that even 75 years after Independence, Parliament lacks substantial representation from half the population, with women holding just 14% of the seats.

A promising start

Leading CMs: Just a decade ago, three of India’s largest States, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, were in the spotlight for being led by women Chief Ministers.
Leading Leaders: While Sushma Swaraj led the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi served as both President of the Congress Party and Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance.
President of India: Also, India had its first woman President, Pratibha Patil around the same time.

Historical Background

Pre-Independence era: From the pre-Independence era when several women’s organisations demanded political representation for women.
Rising demand: It can be traced back to 1955 when a government appointed committee recommended that 10% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies should be reserved for women.
In 1996, the Women’s Reservation Bill (introduced in Lok Sabha) proposed to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women. However, the bill lapsed due to strong opposition from some political parties.
Again the issue gained momentum in the 2000s and the bill was passed in Rajya Sabha.
National Perspective Plan for Women (1988): The National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) recommended that 30% of seats in all elected bodies should be reserved for women. This recommendation was reiterated in the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, which was adopted in 2001.

Global Examples

Outperforming their male counterparts: The Scandinavian countries have implemented policies and governance structures that support gender equality and women’s empowerment, which includes women’s representation in political and leadership positions.
Implementing best policies: Countries led by women have shown to have some of the best policies and governance practices. The deep scars in Rwanda, a central African nation, from the genocide, are being healed by predominantly a leadership that comprises women.
Norway quota: Norway implemented a quota system in 2003 that required 40% of seats on corporate boards to be occupied by women.