The 17th Lok Sabha marks a significant point in history, with a record number of women parliamentarians, totalling 78. This figure is indicative of the continually growing representation of women in the Lok Sabha. Despite this positive development, it’s important to note that India still has a long way to go in achieving gender balance in political representation, especially when compared alongside other countries such as the U.S. and neighbouring Bangladesh.
A Historical Perspective
Tracing back to the inception of democratic elections in India, the first-ever Lok Sabha saw only 5% of seats occupied by women. This reflects the societal norms of that period which were heavily loaded against women. However, seven decades down the line, the situation has improved drastically. The participation and representation of women in the Lok Sabha has experienced a steady upward growth, reaching 14% in the current 17th Lok Sabha. This progression, although slow, signifies a breakthrough in the political scenario of India hinting towards an atmosphere of greater inclusivity.
Contemporary Scenario
The present-day Lok Sabha sees a marked rise in female representation, with the 17th Lok Sabha boasting the highest number of women parliamentarians so far, totalling 78. This surge in numbers demonstrates gradual yet imperative changes towards an equal and inclusive representation. The current scenario, however, still presents a challenge. At 14% representation, the current strength of women in the Lok Sabha is still disproportionately lower than their share in the population.
International Comparison
The overall trend of women’s representation in political positions on the global scale offers an interesting perspective. While India has made significant strides in this direction, a comparison with other countries highlights the extent of gender disparity in politics that is prevalent. Particularly, the USA stands at 32% female lawmakers and neighbouring Bangladesh at 21%, both considerably higher than India.
| Country | Percentage of Female Lawmakers |
|---|---|
| USA | 32% |
| Bangladesh | 21% |
| India | 14% |
Implications and Future Prospects
In light of these figures, while the increasing female representation in Lok Sabha is a promising sign, there is much room for improvement. Achieving proportionate representation is not merely a matter of statistics but stands as a testament to a nation’s commitment to equality and democratic principles. The growing number of women parliamentarians suggests a progressive shift towards inclusivity and gives hope for a balanced political landscape in the near future.
