Only 10.2% Women Fielded in 20 Assembly Polls Since Passage of Women’s Bill in 2023: Report

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, a new analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) highlights a concerning trend regarding women’s participation as candidates. Out of a total of 8,360 candidates across the country, only 800, or 9.6%, are women. This data underscores the persistent gender gap in Indian electoral politics despite ongoing calls for greater representation.

The report further reveals that 152 out of the 543 constituencies, which accounts for nearly 28%, have zero women candidates contesting. This means more than a quarter of the parliamentary constituencies are completely devoid of female representation among the candidates, reflecting a significant imbalance.

Experts and activists argue that these figures indicate the need for stronger measures to encourage and enable women to participate in politics at the grassroots and national levels. While the 2023 Women’s Bill aimed to improve women’s political representation, the slow progress observed in these elections suggests that legislative efforts alone may not be sufficient.

The ADR analysis also points to systemic challenges such as party nomination biases, societal attitudes, and the lack of supportive structures for women candidates. Increasing awareness and implementing affirmative action policies might be necessary to change this landscape. Political parties have a critical role to play in nominating more women candidates to foster inclusive governance.

This data serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Indian democracy, urging stakeholders to work collaboratively to create an environment where women have equal opportunities to contest and lead. As voters turn out at polling stations, the representation of women in the fray remains vital for a truly representative political system.

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