The journey towards gender parity in Indian politics, particularly in the Lok Sabha, has been a slow and uneven process. Over the past decade, women's representation has shown a modest increase, rising from 11.4 per cent in the 16th Lok Sabha to 14.3 per cent in the 17th, before slightly declining to 13.6 per cent in the 18th. This trend, while positive overall, underscores the persistent challenges in achieving balanced gender representation in India's lower house.
The most recent Lok Sabha elections saw 74 women securing seats, a marginal decrease from the 78 elected in 2019. West Bengal leads with 11 female MPs, while the BJP fielded the highest number of women candidates at 69 out of 440 nominees (16 per cent). The Congress party followed with 41 women out of 327 candidates (13 per cent). Among parties with significant female representation, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) boasts the highest proportion at 37.93 per cent, followed by the Congress (13.13 per cent) and the BJP (12.92 per cent). This data reveals a growing, albeit slow, recognition of the importance of women's participation in politics across party lines.
To accelerate progress, a multi-faceted approach is crucial, including the swift implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, proactive measures by political parties to nurture women leaders, and comprehensive electoral reforms. Achieving equitable representation is not merely a numbers game; it is about ensuring diverse perspectives in policy-making, which is vital for addressing India's complex socio-economic challenges and fostering comprehensive national progress.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, women's representation among candidates from major national political parties was relatively low. The BJP fielded 38 women out of a total of 428 candidates, equating to approximately 8.9 per cent. The Congress nominated 60 women out of 464 candidates, or about 12.9 per cent. Other national parties also showed limited commitment. For instance, the TMC fielded 12 women out of 42 candidates (28.6 per cent), while the CPI(M) had 7 women candidates out of 97 (7.2 per cent).
The overall representation of women in the 16th Lok Sabha was below 12 per cent, highlighting the significant gender disparity in Indian politics. This limited representation can be analyzed through intersectionality and institutional theory. Intersectionality suggests that women candidates face multiple layers of discrimination, including gender, caste, and socio-economic barriers. Institutional theory emphasizes the role of established structures and norms that hinder women's political participation. Despite these challenges, the presence of women candidates in 2014 indicated the beginning of a slow but steady shift towards gender inclusivity.
The 2019 elections showed a slight increase in the representation of women candidates, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for gender inclusivity among political parties. The BJP increased its number of women candidates to 53 out of 436, or approximately 12.2 per cent. The INC fielded 54 women out of 421 candidates, about 12.8 per cent. The TMC continued its strong stance by fielding 17 women out of 42 candidates (40.5 per cent), while the CPI(M) fielded 10 women out of 83 candidates (12 per cent).
The representation of women in the 17th Lok Sabha rose to around 14 per cent, a modest improvement from 2014 but still far from achieving gender parity. This incremental increase in women's candidacy points to a positive trend, albeit slow. Theoretical perspectives suggest that while internal party reforms and external pressures have contributed to this rise, deeply entrenched institutional biases and societal norms continue to limit women's political engagement. The slight improvement from 2014 to 2019 underscores the importance of sustained efforts and policy interventions to promote gender equality in politics.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a notable shift towards greater inclusion of women in politics. The BJP significantly increased its women candidates to 75 out of 450, or 16.7 per cent. The Congress nominated 68 women out of 435 candidates, approximately 15.6 per cent. The TMC continued to lead in female representation, fielding 18 women out of 42 candidates (42.8 per cent), and the CPI(M) improved with 15 women out of 85 candidates (17.6 per cent).
These figures reflect a concerted effort by national parties to enhance women's representation, driven by public demand for gender equality and legislative measures. The increase in women candidates in 2024 aligns with the theoretical framework of intersectionality and institutional change. Intersectionality highlights the ongoing struggle against multiple forms of discrimination, while institutional theory suggests that formal structures and rules are slowly adapting to promote gender inclusivity. The improved statistics in 2024 indicate a growing recognition of women's role in politics, though they still fall short of the 33 per cent representation advocated by the Women's Reservation Bill.
Despite these incremental gains, India's global standing in terms of women's political representation remains concerning. The country ranks 143rd out of 185 nations in the Inter-Parliamentary Union's Parline database, trailing behind several Asian counterparts including Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, and China. This stark disparity is further highlighted when compared to countries like South Africa (46 per cent female MPs), the UK (35 per cent), and the US (29 per cent).
Comparative analysis with other democracies reveals that countries with legislative gender quotas, such as Rwanda and Sweden, have significantly higher female representation in their parliaments, often exceeding 40 per cent. This disparity underscores the need for robust policy interventions in India, such as the immediate passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, to ensure equitable representation and harness the full potential of women in political leadership.
Despite the progress, several challenges hinder the full representation of women in Indian politics. Societal norms, gender biases, and the lack of a supportive infrastructure for women candidates remain significant barriers. Furthermore, political parties often place women candidates in constituencies where they have lower chances of winning, thus affecting their overall success rate.
To address these challenges, it is crucial for political parties to not only increase the number of women candidates but also ensure they are given winnable seats. Implementing internal party quotas, providing training and support for women candidates, and fostering an inclusive political environment are essential steps towards achieving gender parity.
The journey towards equal representation of women in the Indian Parliament is ongoing. The 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha elections show a positive trend, but much work remains to be done. National political parties must continue to build on this momentum and take proactive measures to ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping the future of Indian democracy. By doing so, they will not only enhance the quality of governance but also strengthen the democratic fabric of the nation.
The theoretical and statistical analysis underscores the importance of continued efforts towards achieving true gender parity in Indian politics. Ensuring that women's representation is not just a token gesture but a fundamental aspect of democratic governance will require sustained effort, innovative policies, and a commitment to change from all stakeholders involved.
Achieving gender parity in the Lok Sabha is not just about meeting a numerical target; it is about enriching the policy making process with diverse perspectives and ensuring that the voices of half the population are adequately represented in the highest decision-making body of the country. It is about creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just society where every citizen, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to contribute to the nation's progress.
India stands at a critical juncture in its democratic journey. The incremental yet significant progress in women's representation in the Lok Sabha is a testament to the potential for change. However, realizing the dream of true gender parity requires a collective effort from political parties, policymakers, civil society, and the electorate. It is only through sustained commitment and action that we can ensure that the Lok Sabha truly reflects the diversity and strength of the Indian populace, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
About the authors:
Amal Chandra is an author, policy analyst and columnist.
‘X’: @ens_socialis
Hima T. Sam is a postgraduate in History from the University of Delhi and a columnist. Instagram @hima_tara_sam
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
