It’s 2021, and we can see women holding prominent positions of power throughout the global political scene. We have come leaps and bounds in terms of women’s representation in just a decades comparison. However, the reality is that equal opportunity for both genders is far from the truth.
For instance, the USA is a front-runner in terms of global military power and advancements in technology. They also have a considerable influence on the world stage, and yet they only elected their first female vice president in 2021 despite holding elections for more than 200 years.
A female president might not happen for a decade at the very least. Why has it taken so long, despite women standing for the post of the presidency?
Even when Hillary Clinton ran for president in 2016, against Donald Trump, there were debates and discussions not only about her ability to be president in her personal capacity but also backhanded comments from the media and opposition alike about whether a woman can be entrusted to be the leader of the free world. All these doubts despite her ample qualification and experience as a Senator, compared to her opponent.
This bias against women has existed since time memorial. The general perception that men are better at decision-making and leadership, whereas women better at compromise and emotions are neither new nor founded. Another stereotype is that women tend to prioritize family and other social events more than the task at hand and that their decisions are led by emotions rather than facts.
Women have fought against this perception about their supposed incapabilities to get equal rights including the right to vote. Fortunately, we presently have excellent examples of women in power who have conducted themselves with grace and dignity. They are role models for the future generations of girls that want to lead and have a vision for their sovereign. Statistics show that women are more likely to get re-elected as public officials, compared to their male counterparts.
One such example leading the way is Jacinda Ardern (Prime Minister of New Zealand). She is praised for her excellent handling of the pandemic crisis. Women being able to multitask the various facets of their lives is an advantage and not a handicap.
Undoubtedly, India also has its share of women in power. One such example is Indira Gandhi, the first female prime minister of India. She was known for being a strong and decisive leader. Other notable figures in Indian politics include Jayalalitha, Mamata Bannerjee, and Nirmala Seetharaman (First Female Defense Minister).
All these women have fought hard to reach where they are and be heard, as they have ideas and opinions of substance and value.
In India, the proposed solution to empower women’s overall political participation is by passing a bill that reserves 33% of seats for women.
Whether this bill will help women or instead be used as another political tool for party advantage by only nominating female family members of existing politically prominent men is yet to be seen.
Women’s Reservation Bill is a pending bill in the Parliament of India which proposes to reserve 33 percent seats in the Lok Sabha, lower house of the parliament, and in all state legislative assemblies for women.
Please check below link to Read More about Women’s Reservation Bill:
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/women-s-reservation-bill-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-bill-which-is-yet-to-be-passed-in-lok-sabha-1653451-2020-03-07
https://www.wikigender.org/wiki/india-the-womens-reservation-bill
https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/article/33-women-no-100-patriarchy-why-womens-reservation-bill-has-not-been-passed-yet/453313
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIpCriHLZSc
The fact remains, in the end, significant power lies and is retained by men, and India has a long way to go before we can call it an even playing field.
