In the diverse and complex tapestry of Indian democracy, one thread has consistently been underrepresented – women. Historically, women have been marginalized in Indian politics, but the Women’s Reservation Bill, a legislative proposal first introduced in 1996, aims to change this narrative by reserving one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament) and State Legislative Assemblies for women. This proposed legislation, often met with both enthusiasm and resistance, is a crucial step towards achieving gender equality and empowering women in the Indian political landscape.
India has a long history of patriarchal societal norms that have seeped into its political institutions. Despite numerous achievements and milestones in other areas, the political arena has remained a predominantly male domain. The Women’s Reservation Bill was conceived as a solution to this imbalance. By allocating one-third of parliamentary seats.
Article written by Ema Ali (UAE)
