Economic empowerment: paving the way for women into politics by Iman

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 “While legislative representation is a critical aspect, it must be complemented by measures that empower at the grassroots level.”

Women's empowerment has emerged as the center of discussion among social scientists, as it is seen as a necessary condition for women's and national development. Recently, women's economic empowerment [WEE] has gained prominence. WEE looks at women's empowerment from various development angles, such as economics, social rights, education, gender equality, ownership over assets, household decision-making, and political participation.

Economic empowerment has paved the way for women in various sectors, including Politics globally and in India.

India, the world's largest democracy, has seen gradual but slow progress in increasing women's political representation. One key indicator is voter turnout among women. In 1962, the turnout was 46.6%, and by 2024, it had significantly increased to 65.8% during the 18 Lok Sabha Elections. The number of women contesting elections has also seen a remarkable rise. In 1957, only 45 women stood as candidates in the Lok Sabha elections. During the 18th Lok Sabha elections in 2024, this number had soared to 797, demonstrating an increasing willingness and opportunity for women to participate as political candidates. Another witness is the improved representation of women in legislative bodies. In the Lok Sabha, the number of female representatives was 22 [5%] in 1951, which increased to 75 [13.6%] in 2024. Similarly, female representation in the Rajya Sabha went from 7% in 1952 to 13% in 2023. 

Further, the increased representation of women in legislative bodies reinforces the framework for gender improvement within the nation. As the number of women representatives continues to rise, their collective influence drives transformative changes in policymaking and governance, fostering sustainable progress toward economic empowerment of women. 

Legislative representation, while important, may not fully address the complexities of women's empowerment. The critical mass theory posits that a considerable number of women in the legislature can bring about a shift in attitudes and political processes. However, gender empowerment requires a more bottom-up approach, focusing on the lowest strata of the socioeconomic hierarchy. True empowerment necessitates a socio- political transformation at the grassroots level, characterised by women's access to education, equal opportunities, economic independence, and most importantly, political independence.

 With economic stability, women can finance their campaigns, pursue education, and network efficiently, overcoming barriers that previously restricted their political participation. It changes attitudes, as economically independent women tend to be viewed as competent leaders. This trickle-down effect encourages others and provides a greater impetus for gender equality in political arenas.

In conclusion, economic independence has been a revolutionary factor for advancing women’s political participation. By the potential of economic freedom, education, and access to resources, it has empowered women to challenge tradition, assertive actions in political life, and achieve leadership positions. The trend seen in India’s voter participation, candidacy, and legislative representation illustrates this essential connection. Though these advancements are important, empowerment is realized when it reaches the grassroots level so that all women would have access to tools of participation in governance and decision-making. As economic independence remains a steadfast source of motivation for enhanced representation, it secures the foundations of a wider democracy, driving national development and tracing the way to a future marked by equity and justice.

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