If women represent almost half of the country’s populace, we need to be on the floors of the parliament making decisions that affect our gender.

When women constitute almost half the population of the country, isn’t it only fair that they need appropriate representation? This is a thought I constantly ruminate on when I see polity decisions being taken on behalf of women. It is not an ‘Us vs Them’ scenario, but purely a logical conclusion. Globally, women continue to be underrepresented in politics. While women make up roughly half of the world’s population, their participation in political processes remains disproportionately low. According to global statistics, women hold only about 24 percent of parliamentary seats worldwide. This glaring gender imbalance is indicative of systemic barriers that hinder women’s full political engagement.

How else do we measure our system but by comparing it with other countries? Several nations around the world have made notable strides in advancing the participation of women in politics. Countries such as Iceland, Sweden, and even Rwanda have shown that gender parity in political leadership is not only possible but also a very successful move. Rwanda stands out by having the highest proportion of women in parliament worldwide, with women holding more than 60 percent of the parliamentary seats. These nations offer valuable examples for those striving to enhance the presence of women in political spheres.

As a woman holding a leadership position, the news that my country has passed the Women’s Reservation Bill in the parliament, with a unanimous decision, was an absolute win. The Women’s Reservation Bill has been a long-awaited piece of legislation for 27 years which seeks to reserve 33 percent of seats in India’s national and state legislatures for women. Despite widespread support, political obstacles and debates have delayed its passage. But today it stands passed. Sure, we may have to wait until when it bears fruit. But the bill’s journey reflects the persistence needed to achieve gender equality in politics, and women are not lacking in that.

The Women’s Reservation Bill aligns with our prime minister Narendra Modi’s promise of women-led development. Gender equality is a cornerstone of sustainable development, and this bill underscores India’s commitment to empowering women leaders in all sectors, including politics. The G20 declaration on gender equality and women-led development further emphasises the importance of this crucial legislation.

A Voice In Decision-making

This bill will ensure that women have a voice in decision-making processes and that our perspectives are considered. By promoting women political leaders, the bill encourages capacity building among women in politics, fostering leadership skills and experience. It goes a long way in changing societal perceptions and challenging the traditional gender norms that exist in our society. The bill ensures that our future generations will be a part of a more gender-inclusive society that promotes gender-sensitive policies and addresses gender-specific issues. This move gives young girls hope to stand with their male counterparts as equals. If women represent almost half of the country’s populace, we need to be on the floors of the parliament making decisions that affect our gender.

It would not be a far-fetched claim to make. In fact, it would be as close to the truth as possible that women leaders and policymakers make a real difference when it comes to climate change. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, countries with a higher percentage of women in parliament tend to have stronger commitments to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. Research by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) indicates that women’s participation in decision-making processes leads to more comprehensive and inclusive climate policies and programmes. Another seminal report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) states that women are more likely to engage local communities in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Women’s involvement enhances the effectiveness of climate initiatives.

In my own role as co-founder and chairperson of sustainability at ReNew, I have witnessed how women leaders bring unique strengths and perspectives to the table when addressing an existential issue that we face as a species; climate change. Gender diversity in leadership roles can enhance the effectiveness, inclusivity, and sustainability of climate policies and actions. I have written at length on the sound business sense it makes when gender equality is a part of the very DNA of our societies in the book ‘Pathways to Equality’. Being in a leadership position offers me front-row seats to witness the tremendous capabilities and sound judgement that women possess when given a chance. An equal chance is all we seek. Adding further to the business case of the bill, there are several credible estimates which point out the fact that gender parity in political and economic fields will add almost 50 percent to India’s GDP by 2030. India will be proudly rubbing shoulders with other developed nations as a developed country by 2047.

But this should not stop here. We have been given a platform, and we need to act on it. This is a call for action, and women need to collectively ensure that they are a part of nation-building and continue promises to bring. This is the start of a beautiful new journey and its ripple effects will be felt across the spectrum at all levels, be it within institutions or with individuals. We live in the societies that we create, so let us build a just and equitable one when we have the chance, and the chance is now.

Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Sustainability at ReNew. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. 

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• Source: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/politics/women39s-reservation-bill-pavespath-to-gender-parity-sustainable-development_17253821.html