By: Priyanka Saurabh
The Nari Shakti Vandan Act passed in 2023 is a historic opportunity to change the nature of politics in India. Although its implementation is possible before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, it will be successful only if political parties create a favorable environment for women from now on. Just giving reserved seats is not enough; parties will have to give priority to women in internal quota, financial support, training, mentorship and decision-making roles. If this opportunity is missed, reservation will also become a sham. Decisive and policy initiatives are now necessary for an inclusive and empowered democracy.
The Nari Shakti Vandan Act passed in 2023, i.e. the 106th Amendment of the Constitution, is a historic attempt to increase the representation of women in India’s democratic structure. This Act ensures 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, but its success will not be determined by merely being inscribed in the Constitution – but by the political will to implement it. If this reservation becomes effective in the general elections of the year 2029, it will not only be a turning point for India’s democracy, but will also determine the direction of women’s leadership. For this, political parties will have to take comprehensive and far-sighted steps from now on.
The presence of women in Indian politics has always been limited. In the 18th Lok Sabha elected in 2024, only 74 women were elected, which is only 13.6% of the total seats. This figure has also decreased compared to 2019 and is far behind the global average of 26.9%. The situation in state assemblies is even more worrying, where on average only 9% of the MLAs are women. This not only reflects gender inequality but also affects the policy-making process in which the participation of half the population is negligible.
There are many social, economic and political reasons for the low level of women’s participation in politics. The biggest reason is the deeply ingrained patriarchal thinking of Indian society. Women are limited to family roles, due to which leadership opportunities naturally go to men. Practices like ‘Sarpanch Pati’ make this thinking even more clear.
There is also a perception within political parties that women are weak candidates in terms of winning elections. But this is a myth, which recent data disproves. For example, women were only 9.6% of the candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but their success rate was higher than men – they won 13.6% of the seats.
Lack of financial resources is another major barrier women face. Contesting elections in India is extremely expensive, and most women—especially from rural and backward classes—cannot independently raise enough resources. In addition, the environment of politics is also unsafe and hostile for women. They face trolling, character assassination, and mental harassment, which shakes their confidence.
Institutional arrangements for women in political parties such as mentoring, trained leadership development, and inclusion in decision-making units are also often absent. By forming Mahila Morchas, they are isolated from the main structure of the party, keeping them away from the decisive centers of power.
To make the 2029 reservation meaningful, political parties will have to prepare from now itself. The first step is—voluntary internal quota. Giving priority to 33% women candidates in ticket distribution will not only be a preparation for reservation, but an initiative towards inclusive democracy. Examples like Australia’s Labor Party show that internal quotas can positively change the culture of politics.
The second necessary step is financial support and structured training. Political parties should create separate election funds for women candidates so that they can bear the burden of election expenses. Canada’s Judy Lamarsh Fund is a good example of this. Also, leadership programs should be run to prepare active women representatives in panchayats and municipalities for assembly and parliament level.
Women should also be given an active role in the party’s core committees, policy making bodies and spokesperson boards. Leadership will not emerge by limiting itself to only Mahila Morcha or cultural events. Parties like the IUML have recently included women in the core leadership—other parties should also take this direction.
Mentorship can also be a powerful tool. Experienced women leaders can guide new candidates, helping them develop confidence, policy understanding, and strategic skills. At the same time, a strict code of conduct and prompt action is necessary to prevent harassment or disrespectful behavior against women within the party.
Along with the efforts of political parties, the role of media and civil society is also important. Media should focus on the policy role, ideological outlook and social contribution of women leaders—not on their attire, personal life or controversies. Civil organizations should also take initiatives towards training, public awareness and promotion of women leadership.
Representation of women in politics is not just a question of gender equality but also a measure of the quality of democracy. If the basis of representation is limited to the reach and influence of men, then the form of democracy will remain incomplete. Women’s reservation is not just a policy but a tool to make leadership inclusive, sensitive and balanced.
The 2029 elections will bring a historic opportunity for India. But if political parties do not invest in building women leadership now—this reservation will also remain just an extension of dynasty and tokenism in power.
Now is the time when parties should not talk about “leaving seats for women”, but should take initiative to “set women up for leadership”. This is the real way to strengthen democracy.
