ABSTRACT
This paper embarks on a crucial exploration to address a critical, yet largely overlooked question regarding the involvement of women in formal electoral politics in India and its potential correlation with the evolution of a more gender-sensitive political landscape. Compounded by biases of inadequacy and electability entrenched within predominantly male-dominated party structures, female political leaders often find themselves relegated to the periphery, unable to advocate effectively for gender inclusivity within their own parties. This research underscores that simply augmenting the presence of women in formal electoral politics does not guarantee the integration of women’s issues into party agendas. Rather, it emphasizes the pivotal role played by the effectiveness of women’s participation as both voters and candidates, as well as their representation as Members of Parliament (MPs), in shaping party priorities. The research underscores a pressing need for whistle-blowers from all segments of society to spotlight and address the structural and institutional deficiencies that hinder genuine representation and the creation of a gender-sensitive political space for women within the electoral sphere.
ABOUT NariShakti@BallotBox
NariShakti@BallotBox is a unique series 3 of Research Briefs published by Mandonna Research Consultants on the key issues and challenges surrounding women and their participation in the Indian General Elections 2024.
India has been gloriously distinguished as the largest democracy in the world. With around 96 crore eligible voters set to decide the trajectory of our nation, it is crucial to acknowledge that the historic gap between male and female voters has significantly decreased over the years. An SBI Research Report (2024) has indicated that the number of female voters is on the rise and will reach the inflexion point by 2029. Projected trends indicate that by 2047, women may outnumber men as voters by 10% (SBI, 2024).
Women’s participation in elections, either as voters or poll contestants, is crucial for the sustainable and equitable development of the country and for achieving transformational economic and social changes. However, women continue to be marginalised in election activities, ranging from campaigns to popular perception and from representation to party manifestos.
To this end, the NariShakti@BallotBox series would aim to highlight some of the key aspects and issues at the intersection of the Lok Sabha elections of 2024 and women’s issues. We envision empowering key stakeholders through data-backed research and analysis for further action.
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AUTHORED BY:
Ananya Jaggi is a 1st-year Economics student at Miranda House and a Research Intern at Mandonna.
Sara Thind is a 2nd-year Political Science student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women and a Research Intern at Mandonna.
EDITED BY:
Falguni Mahajan is a Political Science graduate from Lady Shri Ram College for Women and the Founder-CEO of Mandonna
