Context:
The Supreme Court of India has highlighted the need for governance reforms aimed at empowering female elected representatives and protecting their autonomy. In its recent remarks, the court addressed the systemic gender biases, bureaucratic overreach, and discriminatory practices that often undermine women in leadership positions. Emphasizing the necessity for introspection and structural changes, the Supreme Court has urged for initiatives that promote gender equality within governance.
Relevance:
GS II: Issues related to Women
Dimensions of the Article:
- Challenges Faced by Women Leaders in Governance
- Significance of Women’s Role in Governance
- India’s Initiatives to Encourage Women in Governance
- Challenges and Future Directions
Challenges Faced by Women Leaders in Governance
The challenges faced by women leaders in governance, particularly in India’s Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), highlight systemic issues in the political and bureaucratic landscape that impede gender equality and democratic governance. Here are some of the main challenges these women leaders confront:
Systemic and Bureaucratic Challenges
- Undermining by Bureaucrats: Women representatives often find their roles and decisions undermined by bureaucrats, who may disregard their authority and make unilateral decisions.
- Subordination: The systemic subordination within PRIs treats women leaders as secondary to their male counterparts, limiting their influence and decision-making power.
Cultural and Structural Barriers
- Pradhan-pati Practice: This practice involves the husbands of elected women exercising actual power, while the women hold nominal titles but no real authority. This diminishes the impact of policies intended to empower women, such as the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
- Limited Tenure and Resources: Women leaders often serve only one term due to constrained resources and support from political parties, which inhibits their political career development.
Political and Personal Safety Challenges
- Resource Allocation: Political parties often allocate fewer resources to female candidates, which hampers their electoral campaigns and effectiveness in office.
- Harassment and Violence: Threats, harassment, and even violence against women leaders can deter them from actively participating in governance roles.
- Hostility from Local Governance: Collaborations between administrative authorities and male-dominated panchayat members can result in punitive actions against women leaders, including the stalling of their initiatives.
Procedural and Administrative Obstacles
- Delayed Processes: Women in governance face bureaucratic delays and procedural hurdles that obstruct their development initiatives and discourage continued participation.
- Opaque and Unfair Removal Processes: The lack of transparency and fairness in the removal processes of elected female representatives perpetuates discrimination and undermines democratic principles.
Proposed Solutions
- Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Enforcing laws that protect and empower women in governance can help address many of the structural barriers.
- Enhancing Support Networks: Building robust support systems for women leaders, including financial backing and political mentorship, can improve their effectiveness and longevity in office.
- Promoting Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the rights and potential of women leaders through community education programs can change societal attitudes and reduce cultural barriers.
- Implementing Strict Anti-Harassment Measures: Establishing strict measures against harassment and violence targeting women leaders can ensure their safety and encourage more women to take up leadership roles.
Significance of Women’s Role in Governance
The role of women in governance is pivotal in shaping inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies. Here are the major aspects and efforts in India aimed at enhancing women’s participation in governance:
- Promoting Gender Equality: Women’s active participation in governance challenges gender stereotypes and ensures equal representation in decision-making processes.
- Diverse Perspectives in Policymaking: Women contribute unique insights that can lead to more inclusive and effective policy outcomes, particularly in areas affecting women and children.
- Transparency and Integrity: Women in leadership roles are often associated with lower levels of corruption and higher standards of ethical governance.
- Development of Gender-Sensitive Policies: Female leaders are instrumental in advocating for policies that address specific gender issues such as health, education, and violence against women.
- Empowerment and Role Modeling: Women in governance roles empower other women and girls, demonstrating that they too can aspire to and achieve leadership positions.
India’s Initiatives to Encourage Women in Governance
- Constitutional Amendments and Reservations:
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments provide one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies, respectively.
- The 106th Constitutional Amendment proposes one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
- Legislative Support:
- Laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, create safer environments for women to engage in public roles.
- Institutional Mechanisms:
- The National Commission for Women (NCW), established in 1992, plays a crucial role in advocating for and protecting women’s interests in governance.
- Capacity Building and Empowerment Initiatives:
- Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) enhances the capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions to ensure effective and inclusive local governance.
- Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) involves women in the planning and execution of local development agendas, reinforcing their role in governance.
Challenges and Future Directions
- Despite significant progress, women in governance still face challenges such as discrimination, limited access to resources, and societal resistance.
- Future efforts should focus on:
- Educational and Leadership Training: Enhancing skills and knowledge among women to prepare them for leadership roles.
- Creating Supportive Networks: Developing mentorship programs that connect aspiring female leaders with experienced mentors.
- Enhancing Visibility: Promoting the successes of women leaders to inspire others and normalize female leadership in governance.
-Source: Hindustan Times
