Context: In a special session of Parliament in September, after a wait of nearly three decades, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed, making possible a more women-friendly House. It envisaged reservation of one-third of the seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. After presidential assent on September 29, it became law.

Background:

Initiation During Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Tenure: Discussions on the Women Reservation Bill began in 1996 under the leadership of Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Hindrance Due to Lack of Majority: Despite early efforts, the Bill faced a setback as the government lacked the necessary majority for approval during that period.

Chronology of Attempts: 1996: The inaugural Women Reservation Bill was introduced in Parliament.

1998 – 2003: The government made four attempts to table the Bill, but none succeeded.

2009: Amid protests, the government presented the bill.

2010: The Union Cabinet approved the Bill, and it was successfully passed in the Rajya Sabha (RS).

Anticipated Presentation in 2014: In 2014, there were expectations that the Bill would be introduced in the Lok Sabha (LS) for further consideration. The Women Reservation Bill has witnessed a series of attempts spanning different political tenures, reflecting the persistent endeavor to enact legislation promoting gender representation in political decision-making processes.

Need:

• The Lok Sabha currently comprises 82 women Members of Parliament, constituting 15.2% of the total, while the Rajya Sabha has 31 women members, making up 13%.
• Although there has been a notable increase from the early days of the 1st Lok Sabha, where women constituted only 5%, the current figures remain comparatively lower.
• The recent data from UN Women reveals that Rwanda leads globally in women representation with 61%, followed by Cuba (53%) and Nicaragua (52%).
• Bangladesh (21%) and Pakistan (20%) also surpass India in terms of female representation in parliamentary bodies.
• Despite progress, India's percentage of women MPs is still considerably lower than that of several other countries, indicating room for improvement in gender representation.

Key Features of the Women Reservation Bill:

Reservation in Lower House: The Bill proposes the addition of Article 330A to the constitution, mirroring the provisions of Article 330 for SCs/STs reservation in the Lok Sabha.Reserved seats for women may be allocated to different constituencies within states or Union Territories through a rotational system.

Reservation in Seats Allocated for SCs/STs: Within seats reserved for SCs/STs, the Bill advocates for one-third of the seats to be reserved for women on a rotational basis.

Reservation in State Legislative Assemblies: Introduces Article 332A, mandating the reservation of seats for women in every state Legislative Assembly. Specifies that one-third of seats reserved for SCs/STs should be allotted to women, along with one-third of total seats filled through direct elections to Legislative Assemblies.

Reservation for Women in NCT of Delhi (Article 239AA): Amendments to Article 239AA grant special status to Delhi as the national capital.Ensures that laws framed by Parliament are applicable to the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Commencement and Duration of Reservation (Article 334A):

Reservation becomes effective after the publication of the census conducted post the Bill's commencement. Delimitation based on the census will determine reserved seats for women. The reservation is initially set for 15 years but can be extended as determined by a parliamentary law.

Rotation of Reserved Seats: Seats reserved for women will undergo rotation after each delimitation, subject to legislation by Parliament.

Arguments against the bill

• The Bill lacks clarity regarding the timing of its implementation, as it states it will come into effect after delimitation is carried out post the first Census following its commencement, without specifying the election cycle when women will receive their rightful share.
• There is a notable absence of women's reservation in the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Councils in the current Bill, despite the fact that the Rajya Sabha exhibits lower female representation compared to the Lok Sabha. Balanced representation is deemed essential for both the Lower and Upper Houses.

Empowering Female Role Models: A Catalyst for Change

Diverse Role Models:

• President Droupadi Murmu: First tribal head of state, youngest to hold the office, inspiring tribal youth.
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: Presented five consecutive budgets, credited for prudent economic policies.

Changing Aspirations in Small Towns:

• Girls in small towns aspiring beyond traditional roles, rejecting conformity, and aspiring to become entrepreneurs.
• Increased female representation in managerial roles in villages compared to urban areas.

Digital Empowerment:

• Digital penetration providing women with opportunities to pursue diverse dreams.
• Examples include YouTube recipe sharing, Instagram marketing expertise, and online yoga instruction.

Impact of Female Role Models:

• Positive influence of intelligent and strong women in public life encouraging other women.
• Role models like Kiran Bedi and Smriti Irani inspiring girls to join the police services and aim for greater heights.

Cultural Representation:

• Positive portrayal of women in films and series challenging traditional stereotypes.
• Films like Aarya, Pagglait, and Thappad portraying women as heroes, villains, and in-betweeners.

Unveiling Limitless Opportunities:

• Promoting the idea that opportunities are limitless regardless of gender.
• Attention to female role models expected to yield great leaders and positive change.

Global Recognition:

• Recognition of achievements like Nigar Shaji leading India’s first solar mission Aditya L-1, breaking stereotypes.
• The silent revolution unfolding as barriers are broken, and Indian women embrace new horizons. In essence, the evolving narrative of Indian women, driven by diverse role models, digital empowerment, and cultural shifts, signifies a paradigm shift in societal expectations and aspirations. The silent revolution underway indicates a breaking of barriers and a resolute push to shatter the glass ceiling.