28 September 2023
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Op-eds
The bill ensures that our future
generations will be a part of a more gender-inclusive society that promotes
gender-sensitive policies and addresses gender-specific issues. This move gives
young girls hope to stand with their male counterparts as equals
If women
represent almost half of the country’s populace, we need to be on the floors of
the parliament making decisions that affect our gender.
When women constitute almost half the
population of the country, isn’t it only fair that they need appropriate representation?
This is a thought I constantly ruminate on when I see polity decisions being
taken on behalf of women. It is not an ‘Us vs Them’ scenario, but purely a
logical conclusion. Globally, women continue to be underrepresented in
politics. While women make up roughly half of the world's population, their
participation in political processes remains disproportionately low. According
to global statistics, women hold only about 24 percent of parliamentary seats
worldwide. This glaring gender imbalance is indicative of systemic barriers
that hinder women's full political engagement.
How else
do we measure our system but by comparing it with other countries? Several
nations around the world have made notable strides in advancing the
participation of women in politics. Countries such as Iceland, Sweden, and even
Rwanda have shown that gender parity in political leadership is not only
possible but also a very successful move. Rwanda stands out by having the
highest proportion of women in parliament worldwide, with women holding more
than 60 percent of the parliamentary seats. These nations offer valuable
examples for those striving
to enhance the presence of women in political spheres.
As a
woman holding a leadership position, the news that my country has passed
the Women's
Reservation Bill in
the parliament, with a unanimous decision, was an absolute win. The Women’s Reservation Bill has been a long-awaited piece
of legislation for 27 years which seeks to reserve 33 percent of seats in
India's national and state legislatures for women. Despite widespread support,
political obstacles and debates have delayed its passage. But today it stands
passed. Sure, we may have to wait until when it bears fruit. But the bill's
journey reflects the persistence needed to achieve gender equality in politics,
and women are not lacking in that.
The
Women's Reservation Bill aligns with our prime minister Narendra Modi’s promise
of women-led development. Gender equality is a cornerstone of sustainable
development, and this bill underscores India's commitment to empowering women
leaders in all sectors, including politics. The G20 declaration on gender equality and women-led development
further emphasises the importance of this crucial legislation.
A Voice In Decision-making
This bill will ensure that women have
a voice in decision-making processes and that our perspectives are considered.
By promoting women political leaders, the bill encourages capacity building
among women in politics, fostering leadership skills and experience. It goes a
long way in changing societal perceptions and challenging the traditional
gender norms that exist in our society. The bill ensures that our future
generations will be a part of a more gender-inclusive society that promotes
gender-sensitive policies and addresses gender-specific issues. This move gives
young girls hope to stand with their male counterparts as equals. If women
represent almost half of the country’s populace, we need to be on the floors of
the parliament making decisions that affect our gender.
It would not be a far-fetched claim
to make. In fact, it would be as close to the truth as possible that women
leaders and policymakers make a real difference when it comes to climate
change. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, countries with a
higher percentage of women in parliament tend to have stronger commitments to
environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. Research by the
Global Environment Facility (GEF) indicates that women's participation in decision-making
processes leads to more comprehensive and inclusive climate policies and
programmes. Another seminal report by the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) states that women are more likely to engage local communities in climate
adaptation and mitigation efforts. Women’s involvement enhances the
effectiveness of climate initiatives.
In my own role as co-founder and
chairperson of sustainability at ReNew, I have witnessed how women leaders
bring unique strengths and perspectives to the table when addressing an
existential issue that we face as a species; climate change. Gender diversity
in leadership roles can enhance the effectiveness, inclusivity, and
sustainability of climate policies and actions. I have written at length on the
sound business sense it makes when gender equality is a part of the very DNA of
our societies in the book ‘Pathways to Equality’. Being in a leadership
position offers me front-row seats to witness the tremendous capabilities and
sound judgement that women possess when given a chance. An equal chance is all
we seek. Adding further to the business case of the bill, there are several
credible estimates which point out the fact that gender parity in political and
economic fields will add almost 50 percent to India's GDP by 2030. India will
be proudly rubbing shoulders with other developed nations as a developed
country by 2047.
But this should not stop here. We
have been given a platform, and we need to act on it. This is a call for
action, and women need to collectively ensure that they are a part of
nation-building and continue promises to bring. This is the start of a
beautiful new journey and its ripple effects will be felt across the spectrum
at all levels, be it within institutions or with individuals. We live in the societies
that we create, so let us build a just and equitable one when we have the
chance, and the chance is now.
Vaishali
Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Sustainability at ReNew. Views are
personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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