Women & Politics: Elections Today & Tomorrow

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO)organised a Panel Discussion on Women & Politics: Elections Today & Tomorrow to deliberate upon issues, challenges and opportunities faced by women in the political arena.The session also discussed about suggestions and key action points to engage more women in legislatures, political parties and civil society as leaders and informed citizens

In her welcome address, Ms. Neeta Boochra, President, FLO, highlighted the importance of discussing and debating political issues that are affecting women in India. “For the first time in the history of Indian elections, the concerns of women have made it onto the political debate, whether on safety, education or empowerment. And I am sure the session will generate ideas and suggestion for how the agenda of women can be furthered under the new government when it is formed” she said.

Ms. Navika Kumar, Political Economy Editor, Times Now, said that the country is set to welcome the new government with the ongoing general elections reaching its climax on May 16, where women comprised 49% of the voting population. But there are only 11.6 per cent women parliamentarians in the country. On the issue of women reservation bill, she said when women can make it on merit in all other walks of life, why do they need reservation of 33% in politics.

Ms. NistulaHebbar, Senior Assistant Editor, The Economic Times, underlined that women who enter and will enter politics must bear in mind that they have a transactional approach. She further emphasised that women must be ready to face the adversities as they will have to fight for creating a space in the sphere, which is male-dominated.

Ms. Smita Sharma, Associate Editor Foreign Affairs, Network 18said“The mind-set of the people needs to be changed. The perception that women are not good politicians and cannot be leaders need to be replaced with the idea that women were an equally important part of the political system.”

The moderator Mr. Ashutosh Sinha, Senior Business Journalist, said that cultural attitudes that see women as less able and less worthy to lead, inadequate support from political parties, raising sufficient campaign funds are some of the challenges that need to be addressed to create an enabling environment for active women participation in politics.

One of the key takeaways from the session was the recommendation that women need to organise as pressure groups to increase their participation and numbers in politics. It was also observed that political parties should reserve organizational positions for women and create a roadmap for dealing with women-centric issues.