Renewed Calls for Representation Amid Progressive Political Shifts

New Delhi, India: As India gears up for the 2025 Rajya Sabha elections, discussions about gender parity in the country’s Upper House have gained momentum. Women currently hold 27 out of 245 seats in the Rajya Sabha, representing a mere 11%, far below the global average of 25.8% in upper houses of national legislatures, as reported by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The issue of women’s representation in Parliament has been a recurring topic of debate, with activists and political leaders calling for the implementation of the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve 33% of seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

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A Snapshot of Women’s Representation

Historical Context

• Since its inception in 1952, the Rajya Sabha has seen limited female representation, with notable exceptions like Sarojini Naidu, Indira Gandhi, and more recently, Nirmala Sitharaman and Droupadi Murmu.

Current Numbers

• As of 2025, women account for just 11% of the Upper House, despite India ranking among the largest democracies globally.

State Contributions

• States like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have consistently sent higher numbers of women to the Rajya Sabha, while others, such as Haryana and Bihar, lag behind.

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Why Gender Parity Matters

Policy Diversification

• Studies by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) show that increased female representation leads to more inclusive policymaking, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and gender equity.

Symbolic Importance

• Achieving gender parity in Parliament serves as a powerful signal to a country with over 48% female population, inspiring greater participation in politics and governance.

Global Comparisons

• Countries like Rwanda and Sweden lead in gender representation, offering valuable models for India to emulate in creating a more inclusive democracy.

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Key Challenges to Achieving Parity

Party Nomination Practices

• Political parties often prioritize male candidates for winnable seats, sidelining capable women.

Cultural and Structural Barriers

• Deep-rooted societal norms discourage women from participating in politics, particularly in rural areas where patriarchal systems remain entrenched.

Legislative Stalemate

• The Women’s Reservation Bill, first introduced in 1996, has faced political resistance and remains unimplemented.

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2025: A Turning Point?

Push for Change

• Civil society organizations and women’s advocacy groups are campaigning for political parties to field more female candidates in the upcoming elections.

Policy Support

• The government’s focus on women’s empowerment, as seen through schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, has added momentum to the call for greater representation in decision-making roles.

Political Party Promises

• Regional parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have committed to increasing female candidates, setting an example for national parties.

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The Road Ahead

As the 2025 Rajya Sabha elections approach, achieving gender parity remains a distant yet critical goal for India’s democracy. While systemic challenges persist, the growing public discourse around women’s representation is a step in the right direction.

The elections could serve as a turning point, not just for female representation in the Upper House but also for broader gender equity in Indian politics.