Political participation of women in India – A review

Abstract

Empowerment is an idea of power. It is a multidimensional social process that helps people to gain control over their own lives. It is a process that fosters power in people for use in their own lives, communities and society by acting over issues they define as important. Empowerment of women is essentially the process of upliftment of economic, social and political status of women, the traditionally underprivileged ones in the society. It involves the building up of a society wherein women can breathe without the fear of oppression, exploitation, apprehension, discrimination and the general feeling of persecution which goes with being a woman in a traditionally male dominated society. It is the process of guarding them against all forms of violence. From the local to the global level, women‘s leadership and political participation are restricted. Women are underrepresented as voters, as well as in leading positions, whether in elected office, the civil service, the private sector or academia. This occurs despite their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change and their right to participate equally in democratic governance. Women face several obstacles to participating in political life. Structural barriers through discriminatory laws, capacity gaps and institutions still limit women‘s options to run for office. Capacity gaps mean women are less likely than men to have the education, contacts and resources needed to become effective leaders.