Not just for, but by women: How Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam promises a better tomorrow

The passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in the Lok Sabha is nothing short of a historic milestone in the annals of Indian democracy. Garnering an almost unanimous endorsement in Parliament, this bill serves as a monumental affirmation of the principles of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The overwhelming majority of 454 votes in favour out of 456 signifies not just a legislative triumph, but a societal shift. Echoing the wisdom of scholars like Simone de Beauvoir, who proclaimed that “one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman,” this legislative act paves the way for women to occupy roles traditionally dominated by men, to make decisions that shape the nation’s future, and to break the centuries-old chains of patriarchy. The philosophers and feminists who have long argued for the essential equality between men and women would find this moment vindicating. In the words of Judith Butler, gender should not limit one’s “ cultural intelligibility” and today, the Indian Parliament has taken a gigantic leap to ensure that it won’t. The bill transcends political divisions, uniting lawmakers in a common cause that has been debated, contested, but never forgotten. It is a victory not just for the women of today, but for every future generation who will inherit a more equitable society. Despite India’s significant strides towards women’s empowerment, the representation of women in various state legislatures remains strikingly low. For instance, in the 2018 elections, states like Mizoram and Nagaland didn’t elect a single female representative. Many states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Karnataka, saw women holding a mere 5 per cent or less of the total assembly seats. Such underrepresentation doesn’t really do justice to the women. According to 2022 World Bank data, even at the national level India lags significantly behind many other countries, both developed and developing, in terms of the proportion of seats held by women in its national parliament. With only 15 per cent of its parliamentary seats occupied by women, India trails not only developed nations like Sweden (46 per cent) and New Zealand (50 per cent) but also several developing countries such as Rwanda (61 per cent) and Mexico (50 per cent). Even within its regional context of South Asia, which has an average of 18 per cent female representation, India falls short. The quest for increased representation of women in Indian legislatures has been a long-standing issue, discussed even before India’s independence and notably gaining traction in the 1970s. Over the years, various governments have shown intermittent interest in addressing the issue. From Rajiv Gandhi’s committee under Margaret Alva in 1987, to H D Deve Gowda’s first Women’s Reservation Bill in 1996, and even attempts by the UPA government under Manmohan Singh, the bill faced several obstacles, often lapsing. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this aspiration is turning into a reality. Having made a promise of 33 per cent reservation for women in the BJP’s manifestos in 2014 and 2019, Modi’s government is taking decisive steps that others could not, capitalising on a cross-party consensus. In the last nine years, the Union Government under PM Modi has indeed taken strides in empowering women, particularly at the grassroots level. Schemes like the Swachh Bharat Mission have improved sanitation facilities, making daily life safer and healthier for women. Likewise, the Ujjwala Scheme has provided millions of women with clean cooking gas, eliminating health risks associated with traditional cooking methods and providing them with more time for other activities, such as education and employment. However, while policies have made a positive impact, there’s a pressing need for the next generation of women-centric policies to be informed by women legislators themselves. Their unique perspectives can shed light on the multi-faceted issues that women at the grassroots face daily. This is not just about having women’s representation in the Lok Sabha. The bill will also lead stronger female voices in state legislatures where many women-centric policies can be most effective. These legislators will bring insights into localised issues and provide tailor-made solutions for women’s ease of living. The idea of more women in legislatures correlates with the shift from merely focusing on women’s development to advocating for women-led development, a philosophy echoed by the current government. With more women in these roles, we can ensure that policies and schemes are not just for women, but by women, making them more effective and targeted for the betterment of women’s lives at the grassroots level. Research published in The Journal of Politics, focusing on legislative activities across various U.S. states, reveals an empowering narrative for women in politics. The findings indicate that states with a higher proportion of female legislators are notably more effective in initiating and enacting bills that prioritize the needs of women, children, and families. In such states, female representatives outperform their male counterparts and even surpass women legislators in states with lower female representation. The study also unveils two strategic avenues through which women are successfully influencing legislative priorities. Firstly, a higher percentage of women in office acts as a catalyst for policy change, and secondly, the existence of a formalised women’s legislative caucus serves as a potent instrument for channeling women’s concerns into actionable law. This evidence underscores the vital role that women play in legislatures and suggests that increasing female representation can be a direct pathway to more family-focused, equitable policymaking. Certainly, the idea is not to pigeonhole women legislators as only effective in crafting women-centric policies. Rather, increased female representation in legislative bodies enriches the diversity of perspectives, enhancing decision-making on a wide array of issues. Their expertise and insights extend well beyond ‘women’s issues’, adding depth and nuance to policy discussions across the board. Further, even though the full implementation is contingent upon the completion of the delimitation exercise, the bill’s passage sends a powerful message to all political parties: that greater female representation in legislative bodies will be a new normal. In anticipation of the bill’s complete enforcement, political parties are likely to proactively field more women candidates in the upcoming general elections. In conclusion, the momentous passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam marks a significant stride towards gender equality and offers a glimpse of a more equitable future. Yet the journey is far from complete. What has often been lacking is the societal and institutional framework to allow them to realize that potential fully. Today, as more women find their voices in the legislative halls of India, we come closer to creating that framework. With the newfound momentum, it’s essential to remember that female legislators will not only be champions of women’s issues but will contribute comprehensively to national dialogues. Their inclusion is not just an end in itself; it is a means to enrich Indian democracy as a whole. The author is OSD, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He tweets @adityasinha004. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the  Latest News,  Trending News,  Cricket News,  Bollywood News, India News and  Entertainment News here. Follow us on  Facebook,  Twitter and  Instagram.