At Indian School of Democracy event, women politicians demand real representation, not just numbers

New Delhi: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Indian School of Democracy—a non-partisan organisation that trains aspiring politicians in India—hosted a discussion with women leaders from political parties, civil society, and journalism on the challenges and aspirations of women in Indian politics.

The event, ‘Aagaaz-e-Shakti: Celebrating Women in Politics’, held at New Delhi’s Constitution Club of India Saturday, featured two panel discussions followed by the honouring of grassroots women representatives from across states. Additionally, the organisation launched its key initiative, ‘She Represents’, during the event.

The second panel featured Malvika Devi, BJP MP; Nidhi Sharma, senior journalist and author; Fauzia Khan, Rajya Sabha MP and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar leader; and Alka Lamba, President of All India Mahila Congress.

The discussions focused on two key themes: the challenges women face in politics and their hopes for the future. Speakers highlighted the need for stronger representation, better campaign amenities like washrooms, enhanced safety, greater inclusivity, and a more equitable political system.

Also read: Want to stop deforestation? Elect more women leaders, data shows

Challenges women face in politics

A significant challenge that women face is the lack of independent agency in politics.

For instance, while many women sarpanches are elected, it is often their husbands who wield real power. “Unless stringent measures are taken, this will continue,” said Khan, underscoring the issue of proxy leadership.

Structural barriers also hinder women’s political journeys.

The biggest challenge, according to AAP’s Reena Gupta, is securing a nomination in the first place.

Shrinate agrees. “Political parties are the biggest barrier. Are they ready to give tickets to women? Winnability is always questioned,” she said. Shrinate also highlighted how the “boys’ club” dominates politics, making it even harder for women to speak up.

Beyond electoral hurdles, societal expectations weigh heavily on women politicians.

“Politics is difficult for women, especially mothers. No matter what position you hold, at home, your children remain your responsibility,” said senior journalist Nidhi Sharma.

Sarvapriya Sangwan, also a journalist, added, “Women’s representation is still seen as symbolic and has not been fully normalised. Caste and class also play a big role in shaping women’s political experiences.”

During the discussion, Shrinate highlighted safety concerns, pointing out that women cannot freely campaign. She also underscored the dangers of online abuse, where threatening comments on social media can have a profound impact.

An added concern, she said, was the lack of even basic facilities for women in politics.

“During my campaign, I suffered from severe UTIs because I went hours without using a washroom,” she said.

Women, she noted, feel unsafe in political spaces, leading them to adopt masculine habits to fit in. “They dress like men, cut their hair short, chew paan. It’s survival instinct. Women must always stay together, and if they speak to male colleagues, their character is questioned.”

Hope from future

Despite all obstacles, women leaders continue to push for change, emphasising the need for safety, inclusivity, and structural reforms. “We need to make politics safe for women. Many of us have had it easier because we come from educated or political backgrounds,” Shrinate acknowledged.

She outlined three areas of improvement—ensuring easier entry into politics, providing clear pathways for growth beyond just becoming MPs, and fostering cross-party efforts to make politics safer for women.

Khan highlighted the importance of having more women in governance.

“Women bring a gendered perspective. Unless we increase women’s representation, this view won’t come in. Women prioritise social issues like healthcare, and the perspectives of both men and women together can help build a better country.”

Malvika Devi added that women bring empathy and sensitivity to policy making. “Women look at situations by putting themselves in others’ shoes. Those from political families are often judged by rigid benchmarks, but overall, women tend to think for society as a whole.”

A key requirement for increasing women’s political participation is policy change. “We don’t just want women’s faces in politics; we want their empathy, intellect, and decision-making power,” Malvika stressed.

Shrinate also questioned the limited roles given to women in political parties. “Should women be confined to Mahila Morcha and Mahila Congress, or should they be part of mainstream politics?” she asked.

The long-pending Women’s Reservation Act remains a major demand.

“We have delayed it for too long. Congress failed, and BJP finally managed to do it. We have let women down. The success rate of women contesting elections is still below 10 percent,” Shrinate pointed out, underscoring the need for stronger institutional support.

Ultimately, the question remains: Is an ecosystem being built that empowers young women to advance in politics? The speakers stressed that without systemic reforms, true gender equity in Indian politics will remain an elusive goal.

(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)

Also read: Godrej’s Women’s Day campaign has a lesson for brands—be a voice, not an echo