Why is it in the news?
Gap between women’s voter participation and political representation highlighted.
Category: Polity / Social Issues
Important Points:
● Women voter turnout now almost equal to men (~66%)
● Female participation in campaigns still lower than men
● Only 74 women MPs (13.6%) in 18th Lok Sabha
● Global average representation ~26% (India far behind)
● State assemblies have only ~9–10% women
● Over 44% women representation at local level due to reservation
● Political parties act as gatekeepers, limiting tickets to women
● Economic barriers due to lack of funding and resources
● Patriarchal norms and unpaid care work restrict participation