Abstract

This chapter looks into the evolution and current state of women’s participation in Indian electoral politics, tracing their journey from the peripheries to more central roles in the democratic framework. It has an overview of the Indian women’s political involvement highlighting its critical importance for a robust and representative democracy. The historical context sets the stage for understanding the progress made over the decades including, inter alia, the constitutional provisions for gender equality, such as Articles 15(3) and 325, alongside major policies like the Women’s Reservation Bill aimed at enhancing women’s political representation. Analysis provides insights into women’s representation in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislatures, and local governance bodies such as Panchayati Raj institutions. It further explores the multifaceted barriers faced by women, including sociocultural (patriarchy, societal norms), political (party dynamics, electoral violence), and economic (financial dependency, lack of resources) challenges. It also highlights the significant impact of women’s participation on policymaking and governance, particularly in areas like education, health, and gender-based violence. The chapter concludes with recommendations for boosting women’s political engagement and detailing the steps needed to achieve this goal.