Introduction: The Silent Revolution in Democracy
The integration of women in political life is one of the most important but underrated modern-day revolutions. Women have demonstrated their ability to lead on numerous occasions, from suffrage campaigns to breaking the highest glass ceilings. Even though they are more numerous in democracies, they are under-represented in decision-making organisations. What prevents women from becoming political leaders? And where are the potential to improve future governance practices?
Examining how women’s participation in political politics has evolved over time reveals a terrain riddled with problems, but also opportunities for significant change. The subject of whether women should be in politics is no longer disputed; instead, the focus is on how to secure their equal influence and involvement.
Challenges: The Roadblocks to Political Participation
Despite constitutional guarantees and legal frameworks, women continue to face a plethora of obstacles in entering and sustaining themselves in electoral politics.
1. Structural and Institutional Barriers
Historically, electoral systems have been designed by and for men. Women face barriers to equal opportunity even in countries with strong democracies. For example, the first-past-the-post system favours powerful, rich male candidates, making it difficult for women to break into established political networks.
Example: Women make up more than half of the electorate, but only about 14% of the Lok Sabha, despite the fact that the Indian Constitution guarantees them equal political rights. The Women’s Reserve Bill, which asks for a 33% reserve for women in Parliament, was passed in 2023, although its impact has yet to be felt.
2. Socio-Cultural and Patriarchal Constraints
The deeply embedded patriarchal mindset sees politics as a male-dominated space. Women are often discouraged from contesting elections due to societal expectations regarding family responsibilities. The lack of encouragement from political parties and families further stifles aspirations.
Example: In many South Asian and Middle Eastern countries, women politicians encounter hostility from their own parties, and political seats are frequently passed down through dynastic lines, with men having primacy.
3. Financial and Resource Constraints
Women may lack the financial resources necessary to run competitive political campaigns because politics is a costly endeavour. Women are discouraged from running for office because of the unequal playing field created by the convergence of politics, money, and physical power.
Example: According to a UN Women report, female politicians globally receive far less support from political funders than their male counterparts, making it difficult for women to run effective campaigns.
4. Gender-Based Violence and Harassment
Women in politics are routinely discouraged from actively participating by gendered violence, which can take many forms, ranging from physical threats to cyber harassment. The internet has frequently been used to attack female leaders in a misogynistic manner, rather than as a tool for equality.
Example: Women in positions of authority are still regarded through a gendered lens, as evidenced by character assassinations, personal attacks, and sexist comments directed at female leaders such as Mamata Banerjee, Kamala Harris, and Hillary Clinton.
Opportunities: Bridging the Gap and Strengthening Women’s Political Role
Despite these challenges, the future of women in electoral politics holds immense promise, provided systemic reforms and societal shifts create an enabling environment.
1. Quota Systems and Affirmative Action
To guarantee that women are represented in legislatures, numerous countries have instituted gender quotas. Quotas are a step towards gender equality, but they are not the greatest solution.
Example: Rwanda used a gender quota system to attain the highest percentage of women in parliament (61%), demonstrating that political will can influence representation.
2. Grassroots Mobilization and Women-Led Movements
Movements led by women and grassroots mobilisation.
Involving women in local governance has proven to be an effective strategy for guaranteeing long-term leadership development. The rise of grassroots female leaders who have challenged prejudices has enabled increased political engagement.
Example: In India, the Panchayati Raj system, which provides 33% reservation for women, has resulted in the development of thousands of female village leaders, many of whom have now moved on to state and national politics.
3. Digital and Alternative Campaigning
Women may now reach voters without relying on old power structures, owing to social media and digital platforms. The internet allows women to engage with voters, create their own political brands, and start their own political movements.
Example: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) became the youngest woman elected to Congress in the United States by circumventing traditional party organisations and reaching out to people directly through social media platforms.
4. Global Solidarity and Women’s Political Networks
Women leaders are cooperating across borders as a result of the growing global debate over gender equality. International organisations, non-governmental organisations, and women’s leadership programs actively teach, advise, and financially support women who want to enter politics.
Example: The UN’s Women in Politics project and the Women Political Leaders (WPL) network have offered women with tools, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them gain global representation.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Gender-Just Democracy
Women are no longer merely electoral activists; they are visionaries, decision-makers, and change agents who are reimagining governance. However, achieving equal political representation remains a long-term goal. Society’s biases, fiscal constraints, and structural barriers continue to impede progress.
Governments must give financial and security assistance, political parties must aggressively field more female candidates, and societies must remove the stereotypes that prohibit women from assuming leadership positions. In addition to achieving gender fairness, women’s participation in electoral politics helps to strengthen democracy.
As history has shown, when women lead, societies progress. The future of governance must include women who are not only visible but also important. It is time to abandon tokenism in favour of actual political equity—because a democracy that does not represent half of its population is, at best, inadequate.