WOMEN IN POLITICS

FINAL DRAFT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF COURSE TITLED

Legal Methods and Research Methodology FOR COMPLETION OF B.A.LLB. (HONS.) IN

ACADEMIC YEAR 2018-19

Submitted by – Vinita Kumari Submitted to –

Roll no – 1982 Faculty of Legal Method and
1st Semester, B.A.LLB. (Hons.) Research Methodology
Mr. Vijayant

25TH September 2018

Chanakya National Law University

Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna (Bihar)

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 DECLARATION

I, Vinita Kumari, hereby declare that the work reported in B.A. LL.B (Hons.)

project report titled “Women in Politics” submitted at Chanakya National Law

University, Patna is an authentic record of my work carried out under the

supervision of Mr. Vijayant. I have not submitted this work from elsewhere and

I am fully responsible for the contents of my project report.

VINITA KUMARI

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher takes this opportunity to express his profound gratitude and deep

regards to his guide MR. VIJAYANT, for his exemplary guidance, monitoring and

constant encouragement throughout the course of this project. The blessing, help and

guidance given by him time to time shall carry the researcher a long way in the

journey of life on which the researcher is about to embark.

The success and final outcome of this project required a lot of guidance and assistance

from many people and I am extremely privileged to have got this all along the

completion of this project. Last, but not the least, I am thankful to all the members of

my family, friends and teachers without whose assistance and encouragements I could

not have completed my thesis.

VINITA KUMARI

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

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 INTRODUCTION
Democracy implies equality for all human persons, men and women. As against this basic
notion of democracy what is normally seen is that women are excluded from different walks
of life, more visibly in Politics. For the attainment of true democratic spirit shall be ensured
better political participation. “In the struggle for gender justice”, Usha Narayanan argues,
“political participation constitutes the first and foremost step in that direction.”1
Equal treatment to women in political life, to be meaningful and effective should start from
the grassroots level. To provide training and practice in the process of decision-making, the
rural democratic institutions are the ideal structures to begin with. One of the aims of the 73rd
Constitutional Amendment Act is to accomplish this purpose. “The question of political
empowerment of women in rural India has assumed considerable significance recently
because of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. The amendment provides reservation of
seats and posts of chairperson tor women in all grassroots level democratic institutions in the
countryside known as panchayats. This is a historic step of far reaching implications and
significant repercussions on the political process in rural India”2
"As long as women of lndia", declared Mahatma Gandhi in 1925, "do not take part in public
life, there can be no salvation for the country". He further declared, "As long as women do
not come to public life and purify. we are not likely to attain swaraj". "Ever if we did", he
added, “it would have no use for that kind of swaraj to which women have not made their full
contribution”.3 The recent constitutional amendment acts provided greater opportunities to
women in various aspects of political life.
The omission of women from positions of power seriously affects the ability to challenge the
subordination of women in all its manifestation. Women have to be in politics and power to
participate as women and to change the very nature of that power which excludes them.
Women who consist of almost half of the population need to be represented significantly in
decision making bodies. Otherwise the goal of development cannot be achieved. Gender
equity is very essential for the progress of any society.

1
Usha Narayanan, "Women's Political Empowerment: Imperatives and Challenges", Mainstream, April 10,
1999, p.7.
2
Prabhat Datta, Major- Issues in the Development Debate: Lessons in Empowerment form India, Kanishka
Publishers, New Delhi, 1998, p.40.
3
Usha Narayanan, op.cit., p.7.

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 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The researcher tends to emphasize on the study of –

I. Attitude of society towards women in politics.

II. Comparison of world’s women political scenario to that of India.
III. Provisions prevailing in the constitution for their upliftment.
IV. Situation analysis of women participation in politics in past and present times.

HYPOTHESIS

The researcher presumes that –

I. The representation of women in Indian politics is low as compared to that of

men.
II. The number of women in politics is not proportionate to their total population.
III. The political participation of women has increased after independence.

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 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The researcher will make use of doctrinal as well as non-doctrinal research in order to
collect qualitative and quantitative data to complete the project. The doctrinal research
includes the use of literary sources while interview of people, questionnaires and
observation will form the part of non-doctrinal research.

The methods of data collection will include:

I. Primary sources – Data would be collected through interviews,

questionnaires, observation, case study, law commission reports, constitutional
provisions, statutory provisions, case laws, judgments by different courts.
II. Secondary sources – Data will be collected through library study and Internet
search (books, journals articles, etc.).
III. Tools of data collection will include - Interview schedule, observation guide,
questionnaire, camera, voice recorder, stationery items.

LIMITATIONS

The researcher will confine herself to the city of Patna. The number of people chosen
randomly will be five due to lack of time. The interview will be of women politicians
and voters of different background and profession. The interview questions have been
limited to a number of ten questions.

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 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Various books referred to regarding the project are listed below:

I. Women in Indian Politics: Empowerment of women through political

participation authored by Niroj Sinha – In this book, an attempt has been made to
analyze the problems related to women’s political participation in the Indian context.
Gender and patriarchy have been used as conceptual framework. The environmental
factors: socio-economic, political and cultural are in some way or the other, directly
related to the norms of gender and patriarchy.
II. Mother India: A political biography of Indira Gandhi written by Pranay Gupta
– The book is a sweeping biography of the life of Indira Gandhi, one of the great
leaders of twentieth century. It is the story of a remarkable woman who rose to
become prime minister of a troubled India, an India of more than 900 million people.
III. Crossing the sacred line: Women’s search for political power authored by
Abhilasha Kumari – This book looks at women’s participation in political parties in
context of their history, ideologies, political commitments, organizational structure,
mode of functioning and the place of women’s organizations within the party. The
author concludes that the time has come, both due to the growth of women’s
movement and the demand for reservations, for political parties to confront these
questions, and to find answers to them.
IV. An inspirational journey: Pratibha Devisingh Patil authored by Rasika Chaube
and Dr. Chhaya Mahajan – This book is an attempt to understand the life and works
the first citizen of India prior to her occupying the coveted position. The book is a
progressive effort to illustrate her political participation as well as her attachment
towards the family and she emerged a winner on both the fronts effectively.
V. Women’s participation in Indian politics: India ranks 98th – THE HINDU – The
articles deal with the statistical data regarding the representation of women in Indian
politics. It also compares the Indian scenario to its neighbouring countries and other
counterparts. Despite being the world’s largest democracy, it has very low
participation of women in politics whereas countries which lag behind India in every
aspect has comparatively better representation of women in politics.

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 1. WOMEN IN POLITICS: AN INTRODUCTION
“It is very difficult for a woman to make up her mind to enter politics. Once she makes up her
own mind, then she has to prepare her husband, and her children, and her family. Once she
has overcome all these obstacles and applies for the ticket, then the male aspirants against
whom she is applying makeup all sorts of stories about her. And after all this, when her name
goes to the party bosses, they do not select her name because they fear losing that seat.”

The above quote of Sushma Swaraj (Union External Affairs Minister) gives a glimpse of
reality that how women have to face so many problems and criticisms while entering the
politics. India, being the largest democratic country in the world has very low representation
of women in politics. Lesser women are seen in holding key positions and decision making
positions in the political arena. The marginalization of Indian women in politics is as old as
the Indian society. Their low representation in political sphere is one of the main reasons for
the exclusion of the interests of women in governance and development paradigms. They
have been kept aside from political discourse since their childhood.4

Men and women have always equally shared their dedication towards the development of the
nation. They have worked shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in pre
independent as well as post independent India. Contribution of Rani Laxmi Bai, Durga Bai
Deshmukh, Savitribai Phule, Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, Madam Bhikaji Cama, Begum
Hazrat Mahal, Kasturba Gandhi, Kamala Nehru, Vijaylaxmi Pandit, Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur,
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Sister Nivedita, etc. in the Indian freedom struggle is highly
noticeable. But their work was always kept unnoticed.5

Women’s participation in politics of any country gives a strong message globally not only in
terms of equality and freedom of liberty but also in the space provided for women in the
democratic framework of electoral politics. India has one of the strongest laws that provide
women a life with full honor and dignity. But the customs, patriarchal set ups and societal
norms have always treated them as subordinate to men. They are always taught to be
submissive. Because of unequal distribution of resources, women do not have adequate
resources, be it economic, material or human. Women are expected to work in private sphere

4
Singh, J.P., “Indian Democracy and Empowerment of Women,” The Indian Journal of Public Administration,
Oct-Dec, Vol.XLVI, No.4., 2000, p.619.
5
http://www.garph.co.uk/IJARMSS/Jan2015/9.pdf

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only and are generally barred from working outside their homes. Their financial dependence
over men also keeps them away from strong political affiliations.

The policies generally are made as gender blind because of male dominance over policy
framing. Keeping women away from public sphere brings lack of political will amongst
themselves. Because of patriarchal set up and male dominance over political parties, women
do get chances of contesting elections. The parties do not engage and encourage women in its
decision making policies while finalizing their contestants. Women coming from less
privileged background, without any political cleavage by virtue of birth, marriage or other
close relative political cleavage have to face molestation and sexual harassment like
situations. Because of the fear of harassment or violence, they do not show their full interest
in political activities6.

It is the need of the hour in a country like India to have equal participation of women in
mainstream political activity. Society needs to deconstruct the stereotype of women as
limited to household activities only. The nature of society has a crucial impact on the extent
and effectiveness of women’s political participation. Their low representation in decision
making institutions signifies deep flaws in the political structure of country. Historical, social
and cultural factors have restricted women from enjoying their rights of participation in
political processes.7

6
http://theviewspaper.net/women-and-politics/
7
Imtiaz Ahmed, “Women in Politics”, in Devaki Jain (ed.), Indian Women, Publications Division, New Delhi,
1975, p.312.

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First interviewee:
1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Kavita Devi.

2. In which profession are you?

Ans. I am a teacher.

3. Since when have you been in this profession?

Ans. I have been in this profession for 12 years.

4. Do you go to vote in elections?

Ans. Yes, I always go to vote.

5. On what basis do you choose your representative?

Ans. I choose them on the basis of their abilities and those look into the needs of
citizens and who are able to fulfil their promises.

6. Do you support the idea of women taking active part in politics?

Ans. Yes, I am in favour of it. We are also a part of society and women should
take active part in politics also.
7. What is the number of women contesting ward elections in your area?

Ans. Not much. 1 or 2 women. They generally contest elections when the seat has
been reserved for women.

8. Do you find any difference between the working of a male and a female
representative?

Ans. Yes. Women are more sensitive towards the society so they will think more
effectively for the welfare of people.

9. Do you think that women politicians at local level government are just puppets of
their husband’s hand?

Ans. Sometimes, not generally. It mostly happens in villages where the husband
or the in-laws ask them to contest election for the sake of personal benefits.

10. In your opinion, what is the ratio of women in politics and what is the reason for it?

Ans. Very, very less. We have only countable number of female leaders. They are
less in number in politics as compared to other fields.

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Second interviewee:
1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Rani kumari.

2. In which profession are you?

Ans. I am a peon.

3. Since when have you been in this profession?

Ans. I have been in this profession for 5 years.

4. Do you go to vote in elections?

Ans. Yes, I always for voting.

5. On what basis do you choose your representative?

Ans. I choose them on the basis caste, those who belong to our caste.

6. Do you support the idea of women taking active part in politics?

Ans. Yes, I am in favour of it. Women are also taking part in election of our
community.

7. What is the number of women contesting ward elections in your area?

Ans. Not much. 1 or 2 women. But the number is increasing remarkably.

8. Do you find any difference between the working of a male and a female
representative?

Ans. Yes. Women are more active than men, they come to us and take our advice
too.

9. Do you think that women politicians at local level government are just puppets of
their husband’s hand?

Ans. Yes. In our village their husband directs them and they work accordingly.

10. In your opinion, what is the ratio of women in politics and what is the reason for it?

Ans. Very few. We have only countable number of female leaders.

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Third interviewee:
1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Sunita Sharma.

2. In which profession are you?

Ans. I am a housewife.

3. Since when did you get married?

Ans. I got married 10 years back.

4. Do you go to vote in elections?

Ans. Yes, I always for voting.

5. On what basis do you choose your representative?

Ans. I choose them on the basis of their abilities and character.

6. Do you support the idea of women taking active part in politics?

Ans. Yes, I am in favour of it. I have also participated in election.

7. What is the number of women contesting ward elections in your area?

Ans. 4 or 5. The number of female participation is increasing rapidly.

8. Do you find any difference between the working of a male and a female
representative?

Ans. Yes. Women are more laborious than men.

9. Do you think that women politicians at local level government are just puppets of
their husband’s hand?

Ans. Yes. They have to do what their husband and in-laws ask them to do.

10. In your opinion, what is the ratio of women in politics and what is the reason for it?

Ans. The ratio is not quite good. But due to the reservation policy it’s getting
better day-by-day.

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Fourth interviewee:
1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Anu.

2. In which profession are you?

Ans. I am a receptionist.

3. Since when have you been in this profession?

Ans. I have been in this profession for 3 years.

4. Do you go to vote in elections?

Ans. Yes, I always go to vote.

5. On what basis do you choose your representative?

Ans. I choose them on the basis of their abilities and who have the capability to
fulfil their promises.

6. Do you support the idea of women taking active part in politics?

Ans. Yes, I am in favour of it. This will help in empowering women.

7. What is the number of women contesting ward elections in your area?

Ans. Not much. 2 or 3 women.

8. Do you find any difference between the working of a male and a female
representative?

Ans. Yes. Women are more active than men.

9. Do you think that women politicians at local level government are just puppets of
their husband’s hand?

Ans. Yes. This happens in my village, the husband or the in-laws ask them to
contest election for the sake of personal benefits.

10. In your opinion, what is the ratio of women in politics and what is the reason for it?

Ans. Very less. Because they are not aware of their rights and the government
policies and those who are aware are work according to their husband and in-laws.

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Fifth interviewee:
1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Sona Verma.

2. In which profession are you?

Ans. I am a nurse.

3. Since when have you been in this profession?

Ans. I have been in this profession from last 5 years.

4. Do you go to vote in elections?

Ans. Yes, I always for voting to prevail my rights.

5. On what basis do you choose your representative?

Ans. I choose them on the basis of their abilities and those in which I saw the
potential to fulfil our basic needs and requirements like power supply, water etc.

6. Do you support the idea of women taking active part in politics?

Ans. Yes, I am in favour of women participation. As they are more sensitive

toward the women and their problems so they will work more effectively than
men.

7. What is the number of women contesting ward elections in your area?

Ans. It’s more than 40% of the total participation. Their participation increased in
elections when the seat has been reserved for women.
8. Do you find any difference between the working of a male and a female
representative?

Ans. Yes. I think men are more impactful than women. They interact with the
society and outside the locality more whereas women are confined to their home
and neighbour only.

9. Do you think that women politicians at local level government are just puppets of
their husband’s hand?

Ans. Yes. They work according to the direction of their husband.

10. In your opinion, what is the ratio of women in politics and what is the reason for it?

Ans. Very less. Due to the lack of awareness among them.

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