Women's political participation in India remains significantly low

Women’s political participation in India is a complex issue. While the country has seen influential female leaders, the overall engagement of women in politics remains low. Although there was a notable increase in women voters starting in the 2010s, many discussions focus on barriers like social and cultural biases rather than how women are actively involved in elections. Research by Rajeshwari Deshpande highlights shifts in women’s voting behavior. It shows that while many women now vote, this increase doesn’t necessarily mean they have real political power. Often, political parties view women as passive recipients of welfare programs rather than as active decision-makers. The welfare schemes implemented by the ruling party have aimed to attract women voters, reinforcing traditional views of women as dependents. Despite the rising voter turnout among women, other forms of political engagement, such as campaigning and advocacy, remain limited. While some studies suggest that factors like increased literacy and job opportunities empower women to vote, there are contradictions. Many women still do not participate fully in the workforce, and the number of registered female voters remains lower compared to men. Women’s voting decisions are influenced not only by gender but also by caste, class, and regional differences. For example, in states with strong regional parties, women often vote differently than in areas with national parties. The data show that the ruling party, the BJP, has traditionally attracted more male voters, although the gap is narrowing. Overall, three main trends emerge from recent data: The increase in women’s voter turnout, their limited political engagement beyond voting, and the significant influence of social identities on their choices. These trends reveal that a distinct women’s constituency in Indian politics is still a distant goal, as many factors influence women’s electoral behavior.