Women in Indian Cinema

 Empowering She in Politics: Challenging Orthodox Norms for Women's Political Participation

In the bustling cacophonies of trade winds in Mangaluru, a subtle voice dares to rise above the clashing

political homogeneity. A zealous and steadfast Kannadiga paved her path into myriad fields, into the

primary Indian political and cultural ambiance. History was soon to be created. In the Madras provincial

elections of 1926, a pinnacle was about to be weaved. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, is a name etched in the

pages of women in the political realm of the Orient. The first woman to run for a legislative seat in India

who pioneered the way for women to look past the shortcomings of their intolerant society and establish

themselves in the largely male-dominated domain—politics and governance.

Chattopadhyay’s example enunciates the cruciality of losing being non-equivalent to being powerless.

Parallel to Chattopadhyay, women and political realms have gone through a nuanced and often

unwelcoming relationship hitherto. Colloquially speaking, women are poorly represented in political

offices globally, and this very under-representation becomes the epitome of lack of gender equality on the

level of decision and legislation making. Approaching this notion dialectically, of the four dimensions

considered in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Equality Index, the criteria called ‘Political

Empowerment’, which measures the extent to which women are constituted in political offices, records

the lowest performance. Apparently, only one-fourth of a widely established hypothetical cent percent gap

in gender representation has ceased to this day.

The significant participation of women in national, local, and community leadership roles has become a

key focus in global development policy. However, some may question the necessity of having women in

political roles such as leaders, policymakers, or activists. Why is it crucial to involve more women in all

aspects of the political process? Women’s political participation sows concrete benefits in the soil of

democracy, resulting in better yield for crops of citizens’ needs, enhanced cooperation across political and

ethnic divisions, and a more sustainable future.

Women’s involvement in politics puts forth gender equality and influences the range of policy issues

considered and the types of solutions proposed. Research shows that the gender of a legislator

significantly impacts their policy priorities. Evidence indicates that as more women are elected to office,

there is an increase in policymaking that focuses on quality of life and addresses the priorities of families,

women, and ethnic and racial minorities. Madeleine Albright, Chairperson of the National Democratic

Institute, observed that women in power “can be counted on to raise issues that others overlook, to

support ideas that others oppose, and to seek an end to abuses that others accept.”

Furthermore, in NDI’s further research in hundred countries holistically engulfing the Earth, it has been

found that women—can be highly responsive to constituent concerns, help secure lasting peace,

encourage citizen confidence in democracy through their participation by destigmatising the pre-fixed

prejudices, prioritization of health, education and other key development indicators. Women’s

engagement is crucial, and it is important to recognize that women are not a homogeneous group.

Different life experiences, whether due to age, education, or rural or urban living conditions, lead to

different priorities and needs. Moreover, not every woman elected to a legislative body will prioritize

women’s issues or rights. While women’s representation is not the sole factor, it is critical for developing

inclusive, responsive, and transparent democracies.

The optimistic impact of women in politics is largely undeniable. Kofi Annan has remarked that “there is

no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.” Empowering women is likely

to raise economic productivity, reduce child and maternal mortality, improve nutrition, promote health

and increase literacy and educational opportunities for the upcoming generation. Madeleine Albright has

also stated very stupendously that the world is wasting a valuable human resource by under-representing

women in leadership positions, resulting in the exclusion of their naturally harboured talents and skills in

political life.

Both male and female legislators must collaborate to address their countries’ numerous challenges. To

meet global development goals and build strong and sustainable democracies—it is essential to

encourage, empower and support women in becoming strong political and community leaders. Along with

this, the presence of women in politics challenges and gradually dismantles entrenched gender partialities

deep entrenched in every spatial context. The visibility of women in leadership roles serves as a powerful

symbol of equality and inspires other women to pursue careers in politics and public service. This ripple

effect can transform societal norms and expectations, fostering an environment where women are

encouraged and supported to assume leadership roles.

The global political landscape also benefits from the inclusion of women. Studies have shown that

countries with higher levels of gender equality in politics tend to be more peaceful and stable. Women’s

approach to conflict resolution, often characterized by empathy and collaboration, can contribute to more

effective and sustainable peace processes. In this way, women’s political participation is not only a matter

of justice but also of strategic importance for holistic stability and overall development. As we continue to

strive to empower “she” in politics, it is imperative to recognize and support the invaluable contributions

of women in the political arena. Looking at prominent historical women, who rose from being voiceless

to full of prowess in politics— ensuring that their voices are not only heard but also heeded in the

corridors of power!