The term 'political participation' has a very wide meaning. It is not only related to 'Right to Vote', but simultaneously relates to participation in: decision making process, political activism, political consciousness, etc. Women in India participate in voting, run for public offices and political parties at lower levels more than men. Political activism and voting are the strongest areas of women's political participation.[1] To combat gender inequality in politics, the Indian Government has instituted reservations for seats in local governments.

Women turnout during India's 2014 parliamentary general elections was 65.63%, compared to 67.09% turnout for men.[2] India ranks 20th from the bottom in terms of representation of women in Parliament.[3]Women have held the posts of president and prime minister in India, as well as chief ministers of various states. Indian voters have elected women to numerous state legislative assemblies and national parliament for many decades.

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The Women's Representation in Politics at Present

Women's representation in politics has been a topic of discussion and debate for many years. While progress has been made in some countries, there is still a long way to go in achieving gender equality in political leadership. Here are five points that highlight the current situation of women's representation in politics:

1. Global Average:
- Globally, women's representation in politics remains low. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as of 2021, women hold only 25.6% of parliamentary seats worldwide.
- This indicates a significant gender gap in political decision-making processes and limits the influence of women in shaping policies and legislation.

2. Regional Disparities:
- Women's representation in politics varies significantly across regions. Nordic countries like Sweden, Finland, and Norway have higher levels of female political participation, with women holding more than 40% of parliamentary seats.
- In contrast, some regions, such as the Middle East and North Africa, have much lower levels of women's representation, with an average of around 18%.

3. Structural Barriers:
- Structural barriers often hinder women's entry and advancement in politics. These barriers include cultural norms, discriminatory laws, lack of support networks, and limited access to resources and education.
- Patriarchal power structures and gender biases within political parties also contribute to the underrepresentation of women in political leadership positions.

4. Quota Systems and Affirmative Action:
- Many countries have implemented quota systems and affirmative action policies to increase women's representation in politics. Quotas can be either legislative or voluntary, aiming to ensure a minimum percentage of women in decision-making bodies.
- Quota systems have proven effective in countries like Rwanda, which has the highest proportion of women in parliament globally, with over 60% representation.

5. Empowering Women's Political Participation:
- Promoting women's political participation requires comprehensive efforts, including legal reforms, gender-responsive policies, and targeted capacity-building programs.
- Encouraging women's leadership, providing mentorship opportunities, and fostering inclusive political environments can help overcome the barriers women face in entering and advancing in politics.

In conclusion, while progress has been made in increasing women's representation in politics, there is still a significant gender gap globally. Addressing structural barriers, implementing quota systems, and empowering women's political participation are crucial steps towards achieving gender equality in political leadership.