Many attempts have been made to pass the women reservation bill for almost a decade. Discuss the benefits and analyse how far a legislative change can actually help in the welfare of women.
Refer - The Hindu
IAS Parliament 7 years
KEY POINTS
· The Women’s Reservation Bill, also known as the 108th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2008.
· Rajya Sabha passed it in 2010 and the bill is pending in Lok sabha.
Benefits of Women’s reservation
· Encourages gender equity by increasing the number of women members in Parliament and state assemblies.
· Issues related to the women’s will get much more priority in the Parliament and can be resolve easily.
· Experience of women in family life as a leader, will help the society at large.
· The abusive and bad atmosphere of the Parliament and state assemblies may become better.
Analysis
· Women will be used as a dummy candidate by their politically strong husbands & relatives and work behind them indirectly.
· No opportunity for women will be given to share their experiences as they act as a puppet.
· No chance for women to become representative for women, and downtrodden.
· This actually goes against the principle of women empowerment which mandates free life with self taking decisions.
· It questions the ability of women in a society, as they are equally talented, skilled and innovative.
· It is not guaranteed that benefits are received by the socially backward and underprivileged women, who really need them.
· Apart from Legislative measures, a change in social behaviour is essential for healthy participation of women in political field and to represent women.
To make it possible
· Inculcate a negative feeling on gender discrimination and its evils among children.
· Educate boys and girls about the importance of women in political field.
· Giving awareness to girls about political life and motivate them.
· Conducting school parliaments to encourage gender equality.
