Political Empowerment of Women: Still an illusion

Political Empowerment of Women: Still an illusion

For centuries, women of the nation have stayed in the cave of societal taboos, have maintained their distinctive culture of living, have sustained on their family lives, and now they are struggling to overcome poor socioeconomic condition. 

 
Nowadays ‘Women Empowerment’ has become a common phrase. The concept of ‘Empowerment’ was firstly highlighted by the Political Scientists. Undoubtedly, effective utilization of human potentials and realization of knowledge about him/herself are believed to be the most critical capabilities of individuals. Probably this is the root of ‘Empowerment’. 

Schuler and Riley (1996) conceptualized ‘Empowerment’ as “ The means of creating a social environment in which one can make decisions and make choices either individually or collectively for social transformation. It strengthens the innate ability by way of acquiring knowledge, power and experience”. But some social scientists often observes ‘Empowerment’ as a mental process which compels to authorize over one’s own destiny. It mainly deals peoples ’thought process and their control over resources which finally lead them to take action.

Traditionally women were considered a passive worker in the society. Hence, political empowerment is needed to melt the ice. Political empowerment has direct relationship with social empowerment. Recently, Government had taken special interest in the empowerment of women. Their seats in Panchayat election were reserved. The strategy adopted in these villages had changed the traditional perception regarding women’s place within and outside the family. This dimension considers the issues like- Political Awareness, Protest Power, and Participation in election and panchayat meetings. Although many aspects have been considered, they do not cover all aspects of political empowerment. Moreover, due to variation in mental and socio-economic conditions, the aspects may vary from society to society. Leadership quality is now considered as the major aspect of political dimension.

74^th Amendment Act, 1992

The 73rd and 74th amendments were enacted during 1992, which lead the way for democratic decentralization. The concept of grassroots governance came into existence. 33% of total seats at the local government level were considered for the women reservation. As a result women participation was ensured. But it is a state of illusion.

Challenges

1.      Male dominated society is unable to synthesize woman as a leader.

2.      Often women candidates are selected because of the mandate. The main activities are run by the males.

3.      Illiteracy is a major factor which hinders the process of political empowerment.

The women of this nation have stayed outside the realm of the self-motivation and self-reliance. Male dominated society for various needs, ranging from economic to social system has utilized women as the prime unit of child production. These concepts have been gradually integrated and incorporated in the social system of human beings. Domestic activities are often considered as the prime job of women. The economically developed world as well as some of the underdeveloped economies still struggling against gender disparities, yet in different ways and meanings.

 

(This column is an adoption of an article, entitled as 'Women Empowerment: Concept, Context and Challenges' by Atanu Deb alias Shree Shambo (KDB, Jan, 2015 )