What factors influence women’s political participation?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

Paradox of Women’s Political Engagement

• India has had influential women leaders, yet overall political participation among women remains low.

• Unlike other countries where the gender gap in political participation narrowed in the 1990s, India saw this shift only in the 2010s.

• Women voters are often treated as a single group, ignoring differences in caste, class, religion, and region.

Rising Voter Turnout Among Women

• The voter turnout of women increased significantly in the 2010s, leading political parties to introduce women-focused welfare schemes.

• However, these schemes often frame women as passive beneficiaries rather than active political participants.

• Despite higher turnout, women’s political power remains limited, as their votes are often seen as influenced by welfare benefits rather than independent decision-making.

Beyond Voting: Political Engagement

• Voting is just one form of political participation; involvement in rallies, campaigns, and advocacy is also crucial.

• Women continue to lag behind men in deeper political engagement.

• Only 14% of women report seeking advice from their spouses before voting, showing some independence but still higher than men.

Impact of Caste, Class, and Region on Voting

• Women’s voting choices are shaped by regional, caste, and class factors, not just gender identity.

• In States with strong regional parties, women’s preferences align more with local political movements than national trends.

• The voting behavior of women from different socioeconomic backgrounds varies based on community interests rather than a shared gender perspective.

Women’s Support for Different Political Parties

• One national party has historically received more support from women than men, except in 2014, when its voter base declined.

• Another party has traditionally faced a gender disadvantage but has narrowed the gap in recent years.

• However, much of the increased support from women comes from welfare beneficiaries rather than broader political alignment.

• Region-specific trends show that women’s support for parties varies across different States.

Key Takeaways

1. Women’s voter turnout has increased, but their overall political engagement remains lower than men’s.

2. Women’s voting behavior is influenced by multiple factors, including caste, class, and regional politics.

3. No distinct women’s voting constituency has emerged, as electoral choices remain shaped by broader socio-political factors.