INTRODUCTION:
The participation of women in policymaking and governance is not just a matter of gender equality, but the participation of women in policymaking and governance is essential to a vibrant, equitable, and inclusive society.
This blog mainly examines the value of women’s participation in such important fields, the difficulties they encounter, and the numerous advantages that result from their active involvement in these fields. Through critically analysing and understanding these dynamics, we can work towards dismantling barriers and fostering environments where women can contribute with their unique perspectives and show their expertise.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES AND RECENT ADVANCEMENTS:
Looking at the historical situation of participation of women in such fields, in 2000, women represented 13.8% of all parliament members all over the world up from 9% in 1987[1]. Compared to other areas such as economic opportunities, education, and legal rights, political representation is the area where the ratio between men and women narrowed between 1995 and 2000[2].
Women have fiercely struggled for their position in politics throughout history. In many regions of the world, the suffrage movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries reflected a turning point by allowing women to vote and participate in public life. These initial adopters paved the way for succeeding generations, but the path to equality has not been straightforward.
In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of women holding such important policy and decision-making positions. Women are serving as the head of state in various countries, including Margaret Thatcher in the UK, and Angela Merkel in Germany.
Despite these positive advancements, women are remaining unrepresented in many political arenas, and they are still fighting for their rights. The topic for making gender equality in policy making and governance remains dynamic and multifaceted one.
CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN:
There are various challenges faced by women because of these pioneers these challenges are discussed below:
- Discriminatory laws against women:
Women’s advancement in politics is hampered by the persistence of discriminatory laws and regulations in many areas. Gender inequalities are further exacerbated by legal systems that favor men in matters like inheritance, property ownership, and marriage. It is crucial to address these systemic disparities to level the playing field for women in government and policymaking.
- Lack of representation in leadership positions:
The lower number of women in policymaking and governance creates a misconception in the minds of women that they are improper for leadership activities. When women see themselves as not suited for leadership roles, this starts discouraging them so they themselves don’t participate in such leadership positions. Increasing the visibility of women in leadership roles is crucial in inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
- Lack of access to education and other resources:
“According to Article 21-A of the Indian Constitution, the state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children in the age group of six to fourteen years as a Fundamental Right in such a manner as the State may, by law, determine”[3].
The right to education is a fundamental right yet millions of women are still not getting proper education due to which they are deprived of various opportunities and resources one of them being active participation in policymaking and governance. So, to increase the number of women in leadership qualities and governance we should increase the educational opportunities for them.
- Inequitable economic opportunities:
Without proper representation, women are unable to get sufficient economic opportunities and are not able to represent their families and do something that can help them and their family members economically as well as mentally.
BENEFITS OF HAVING MORE WOMEN IN POLICYMAKING AND GOVERNANCE:
- Diverse Perspectives:
Women bring a set of perspectives, ideas, priorities, and experiences to the table. Viewing a problem from different perspectives is always better than viewing it from only a few perspectives. Their inclusion ensures that policies and decisions are more comprehensive and reflective of the diverse needs of society. This diversity enriches the discourse, leading to more innovative and effective solutions to the problem.
- Good Governance:
It is evident from various past experiences and events that having equal gender distribution helps in solving problems more easily than having any specific group in large quantities as it helps in understanding people of your gender more than other gender. Governments with an even distribution of men and women tend to be more efficient and less corrupt, according to research. Involving both men and women in decision-making increases the likelihood that the ensuing policies will address a wider range of social challenges, improving outcomes for all residents.
- Reduced Gender-based discrimination:
“Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, and place of birth”[4]. This Article cannot prevent the State from making any special provisions for women and children. Allowing more women in policymaking and governance will reduce gender-based discrimination as it will provide women equal rights as provided to men. Having women who will frame various policies and govern the problems of their groups will help them as the problems of women can be well understood by women as compared to men as women will freely tell their issues and conflicts to women without hesitating.
- Violation of Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Less participation of women in policymaking and governance violates “Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states the right of every person to take part in the government of his or her country”[5]. Equal access of men and women to power, decision-making, and leadership at all levels is a necessary precondition for the proper functioning of democracy. “Equal representation of men and women in politics improves societal representation, increases government accountability and transparency, and guarantees that women’s interests are considered when making decisions”[6]. But historically, women have been kept out of positions of authority and decision-making.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, including women in decision-making and governance is not merely an issue of incorporation; it is also a basic requirement for creating prosperous, just communities. As we’ve seen, the advantages are numerous, ranging from varied viewpoints that improve decision-making to laws that specifically cater to the interests of oppressed groups like women. Through increased accountability, transparency, and effectiveness brought about by women in governance, legitimacy is promoted.
Furthermore, the presence of women in leadership roles acts as an example to the next generation, dismissing preconceptions and inspiring them to aim for greatness. We see the hope of long-lasting stability and peace via the participation of women in peace talks and conflict settlement.
Author(s) Name: Kartik Pachauri (Symbiosis Law School,Pune)
References:
[1] Chattopadhyay, R., & Duflo, E. (2004). Women as Policy Makers: Evidence from a Randomized Policy Experiment in India. Econometrica, 72(5), 1409–1443. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3598894.
[2] Chattopadhyay, R., & Duflo, E. (2004). Women as Policy Makers: Evidence from a Randomized Policy Experiment in India. Econometrica, 72(5), 1409–1443. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3598894.
[3] Article 21-A of the Indian Constitution.
[4] Article 15 of the Indian Constitution.
[5] Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
[6] Sanbonmatsu, Kira. “Gender-Related Political Knowledge and the Descriptive Representation of Women.” Political Behavior 25, no. 4 (2003): 367–88. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3657309.
