Her Turn to Lead: The Rise of Women in Politics

Women in Politics: Milestones and Lessons for the Future

The recent Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand provide critical insights into the evolving role of women in Indian politics. With 21 women elected in Maharashtra's 288-seat assembly and a record 12 women MLAs in Jharkhand's 81-member house, these elections mark a significant milestone in gender representation. While the progress is encouraging, it also underscores the need for deeper systemic changes to ensure equitable participation of women in politics.

Milestones Achieved

In Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the leader in electing women candidates, with 14 successful female MLAs, ten of whom were re-elected. This continuity highlights the growing trust voters place in women leaders. New faces such as Shreejaya Chavan and Sneha Pandit signify the rising presence of women in spaces traditionally dominated by men.

Jharkhand set a historic benchmark, electing 12 women MLAs, the highest in its 24-year history. This represents 15% of the assembly, up from 12% in the previous term. Such progress is indicative of a shift in societal attitudes and political will toward inclusivity.

Lessons to Learn

1. Systemic Change Is Crucial

While the increase in women representatives is a step forward, the overall numbers remain low. With women constituting nearly 50% of the population, their representation in legislative bodies should mirror this demographic reality. Political parties must prioritize fielding women candidates and creating a supportive environment for them.

2. Retention and Growth

The re-election of women MLAs in Maharashtra signals voter confidence, but this momentum must translate into leadership roles. Women leaders must be supported to grow from MLAs to ministers, party leaders, and beyond.

3. Cross-Party Representation

Maharashtra's data shows a stark contrast, with only one woman MLA from the opposition. Inclusivity across party lines is essential to normalize women’s presence in politics and foster balanced representation.

4. Breaking Stereotypes

The victories of women in diverse constituencies challenge long-standing gender stereotypes. Their success demonstrates that women can represent and address a broad spectrum of issues, from rural development to urban governance.

5. Supportive Policies and Quotas

The Women's Reservation Bill, pending implementation, could be a game-changer. Jharkhand's achievement of 15% representation offers a glimpse into the transformative potential of well-structured policies.

6. Mentorship and Empowerment

Established leaders like Hemant Soren's wife, Kalpana Soren, involved in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, highlight the importance of mentorship and support within political families and organizations.

What Lies Ahead

The increasing visibility of women in politics is a beacon of hope, but the journey toward equality is far from complete. Institutional changes, societal support, and active efforts from political parties are essential to make politics an accessible and equitable field for women.

By celebrating these milestones and critically addressing the gaps, we can move closer to a political landscape where women are equal stakeholders in shaping India's future. Gender-balanced assemblies do not merely fulfill a moral obligation—they ensure richer, more inclusive decision-making that benefits society at large.

Let the successes of Maharashtra and Jharkhand serve as a rallying cry for political reform and inspire young women to claim their rightful place in governance.