The much talked about and passionately debated women's bill once again hit the headlines in India. The bill which proposes to reserve 33.3 percent seats in the parliament and state legislatures was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in 1996. More than a decade later, nothing much has been achieved on giving the Indian women legislative powers and the bill which was in news recently, yet again receded to the background as recent and burning issues like inflation and oil took precedence. Women's reservation issue is, as a matter of fact, more significant as it has been plaguing the nation for so long and should be addressed immediately. The bill which was tabled before the general election, was once again torn to pieces in spite of the fact all the parties swear allegiance to the cause women's representation.
Women comprise for almost 50 percent of the population but their numbers in the Indian parliament hover around 7 to 8 percent. This not due apathy of women voters, but largely because the women voters are not mobilized and their issues not addressed by political parties. International Labour Organisation studied that women not only represent 50 percent of world adult population and a third of official labour force, they perform nearly two third of all working hours and receive a tenth of world income and own less than one percent of world property. Hence, Reservation for women would not just lead to women emancipation and empowerment but would also be an earnest recognition of their contribution to development. Securing reservation for women would translate into opening the doors of opportunity for almost 50 percent of our population. It will ensure political equality through active participation of woman from both urban and rural areas.
The most appalling feature of the women's bill debate is that all parties claim to support the bill and yet, the bill has been stalled for all possible reasons. Efforts have been made divide women on the basis of caste and religion. Questions have been raised if the women's bill would really lead to women's empowerment. Doubts have been cast over the creamy layer women would take up the reserved seats and act as proxies of their spouses or other male relatives. The fear of the reservation bill being monopolized by the urban women is stronger than the issues of monopolization of politics in the hands of few and the emerging criminal-politician nexus. The urban educated women seems be a greater threat, than the uneducated criminal sitting in the legislature. All these lame agreements bring forth the either the ignorance or the selfish intentions of the current legislators. The real problem lies in the intentions of the political leaders and parties who are unwilling to share power with not just women but all inadequately represented segments of society. The posts and powers keep revolving around kith and kin of the few on top posts. The representatives of world's largest democracy are trying to making a mockery of the entire efforts for women's representation.
Being the largest democracy does not imply that it is the righteous one! The real test of democracy lies in the creation of equal opportunity for deprived sections of society. Women are grossly under-represented in the parliament and the number has decreased over the years. Women's issues are no longer pertinent in elections. The country is still struggling with problems of neglect of the girl child, illiteracy, female feticide, and crime against women is on the rise. All these are manifestations of gender inequality which are interrelated and at times, even encourage one another.
One might argue that not all countries have reservation for women and in many developed nations the representation of women is low. Unlike the western society the women in India face a threat to their very survival. Discrimination and prejudice start from the mother's womb. In a state like this, the problem of representation holds the key to solve many social ills. Our country is driven by politics and not economy like many western countries where the social norms are not stringent and civil society is much stronger. The male representatives more liberal while female representatives are more articulate and influential in western countries, but in India's case the opposite holds true. Our society is entrenched in male dominations and has a conservative mindset. The advent of women's freedom and the modern women are mere slogans which have weakened the cause of women's reservation in India. Though women are advancing their knowledge, education, awareness and a sizeable proportion of urban women have also joined the organized workforce but the fact that women of all castes and economic strata face suppression cannot be denied. A higher caste / brahmin woman earning her livelihood in a city can face the same oppression as a lower caste / dalit women in rural India.
The time has come when women don't wish to be torpid recipients of welfare brought about by their sympathizers, but hope to be actively involved and bring about social reform. Women are asking the right to change their lives, status and destiny, not just their own but also of the society at large. It is imperative that women's voice and importance reflect in every sphere and all fields of social life.
Gender inequality has far reaching social consequences, it is not merely a women's problem but as problem for society as a whole. Mere reservation will not be adequate to uplift the status of women. A multi-pronged strategy needs to be implemented. While continuing to work at the grass roots by educating women, making them socially aware and economically self reliant, there is an urgent need for favorable legislations to quicken the process or else it will be yet another case another delayed social rectification in India.
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