Beyond Reservations: Why Caste Matters in Women's Political Participation in India

Beyond Reservations: Why Caste Matters in Women's Political Participation in India

Women continue to be underrepresented in elected office in nearly all countries, a concerning fact given the evidence that female politicians are more active in advocating positions important to women. At the same time, in many countries other ascriptive identities such as ethnicity, caste, race, and religion are highly salient to both parties and voters and correspond to differences in political representation. To rectify these problems of descriptive representation, many countries and political parties have introduced electoral quotas to benefit either women or underrepresented minorities. India has historically seen low levels of descriptive representation of both women and members of specific caste groups. This has led to the implementation of a complicated series of quota policies. India boasts a vibrant democracy, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in political spheres. While initiatives like the Women's Reservation Bill seek to address this gap, a crucial factor is often overlooked: caste. In order to achieve true political parity for Indian women, it is imperative to comprehend the junction of gender and caste. While attempts to guarantee descriptive representation of women in India have a long history, the 73rd and 74th amendments to the Constitution in 1992 represented the first use of legal gender quotas on a large scale. They mandated that one third of all seats in local bodies be reserved for women, with these reservations crosscutting existing patterns of caste reservation. In many states, this was soon increased to 50% reservation. The effects of quotas are complicated by the existence of considerable variation across caste and religious groups in the social status, economic and educational position of women. In part, this reflects economic constraints: Poorer families are more likely to be able to invest in the education of only some of their children, and generally choose male rather than female children. 

However, these intergroup differences are cultural as well as economic. Individuals from non-elite groups are less likely to be exposed to the more liberal values common within the Anglophone elite and urban areas in general. Wealthy farmers, for instance, may be more conservative than poor urbanites, and the “new rich” more conservative than the “old rich”. As a result, while many Indian women have managed to obtain university education and middle-class employment outside the home, those that do are disproportionately upper caste and middle class. Female politicians in India are far more likely to be upper caste (and less likely to be OBC and religious minorities) than men. This pattern has been noted by practitioners, and is the reason that politicians from OBC groups have been the main opponents of the current proposals for women’s reservation at the state legislative and national assembly levels. Lalu Prasad Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, dubbed the proposed bill as a “political blunder.” For Dalit women, Adivasi women (indigenous tribes), and those from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the barriers are compounded. Patriarchal norms restrict their mobility and participation in public life. Deep-rooted social hierarchies within their own communities often prioritize male leadership. Even educated women face prejudice based on caste, making it harder to garner support and funding for campaigns. Consider campaign financing. Upper-caste women may have access to family networks and resources. For lower-caste women, fundraising is an uphill battle. Political parties' established power structures sometimes include exclusionary practices. Lower-caste women may find it challenging to obtain nominations or garner party support when high-caste men predominate decision-making procedures. Social views and cultural practices that support stigmatization and stereotypes are another way that caste and gender overlap. Dalit women endure various forms of discrimination, including the imposition of patriarchal standards that dictate their life in addition to the weight of caste-based oppression. These intersecting identities shape their experiences in politics, influencing how they are perceived by their peers, constituents, and the broader society. Despite these challenges, Dalit women have emerged as powerful agents of change, challenging the status quo and advocating for their rights and dignity. From grassroots activism to electoral politics, they have carved out spaces for themselves, often against tremendous odds. Their leadership is grounded in the realities of their communities, addressing issues such as caste-based violence, access to land and resources, and social justice. The current reservation system for women in local bodies offers a glimpse of hope. However, critics argue it hasn't translated proportionally to higher positions. This is because reserved seats are often filled by women from dominant castes, further marginalizing lower-caste women.

 Efforts to promote the political empowerment of Dalit women must recognize the intersecting nature of their oppression and adopt holistic approaches that address both caste and gender inequalities. This requires creating pathways for education and skill development, providing access to resources and opportunities, and challenging discriminatory practices within political parties and institutions. Reservation quotas for women in elected bodies are a step in the right direction, but they must be accompanied by measures that ensure meaningful participation and representation for Dalit women. By elevating Dalit women's leadership and advocacy, Indian politics can become more representative of the diverse voices and experiences that constitute the nation's social fabric. The path forward requires a multi-pronged approach. Prioritizing internal changes is crucial for political parties to guarantee inclusive candidate selection. A solution might be reservations within reservations, an idea that has been discussed for many years. 

Furthermore, it is critical to provide education and leadership development programs to empower women at the grassroots level. Furthermore, intersectionality must be embraced by the Indian feminist movement. Women from higher castes who support gender equality must recognize the unique difficulties that their sisters from lower castes confront. A unified front may advocate for laws that end discrimination based on caste and open the door to a fully representative democracy. India has the potential to narrow the gender and caste gap in political involvement among women. Only then can the world's largest democracy claim to represent the voices of all its citizens.

~ Suhasini