Role of Women Elite in Indian Politics

The political status of women can be defined as the degree of equality and freedom enjoyed by women in the shaping and sharing of power and in the value given by society to this role of women. The recognition of women’s political equality in the Indian constitution was a radical departure, not only from the inherited norms of most advanced countries. The two major forces which acted as catalysts in the achievements of political equality of women were the national movement and the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Women leaders in the period immediately after independence were mostly veterans from the freedom struggle. The absence of an active women’s movement and the failure of political organizations to mobilize women for the solution of their problems have prevented women from exerting adequate pressure on political institutions. The small number of women in the legislatures and their lack of position in the decision-making bodies within the parties have limited their capacity to voice women’s problems in these institutions. Though only a few women reached the highest level of power and authority, those who did so have been recognized for their administrative skills and capacity to manage their own affairs. Since 1952, sixteen women have served the Union Government as Ministers and several have served as Chairmen of both Houses of Parliament. In spite of special powers provided by Article 15(3) of the Constitution, almost no efforts have been made to redress the unequal status of women in different spheres.