Participation Of Women In Socio Political Activities

Gender diversity and equality are essential factors in democratic government. The participation of women in socio-political activities, sports, or decision-making creates an impact on society. Therefore, women must have the right to vote in the electoral process or take part in decision-making. The participation of women in politics or sports is beneficial and is a crucial factor in a healthy democracy. The government of India provides constitutional rights to the women of the country. The participation of Indian women in sports provides the representation of gender equality in global sports.

Participation of women in socio-political activities

“Participation of women in socio-political activities” has different meanings. The right to vote is related to this theme. The participation of Indian women in socio-political activities also relates to political consciousness. Women candidates have the right to take part in electoral processes. The term “political activism” is also related to this theme. The women of India have the right to take part in the various decision-making processes. The democratic nature of the government of India allows women to participate in socio-political activities to create gender equality in politics. Indian women govern political parties, public offices, and other related places.

In India, voting rights were granted to women in 1921. Madras was the first state to grant such rights despite the certain conditions imposed on them. The participation of women in socio-political activities such as voting has seen a significant rise in the country until now. The Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha has also seen a rise in the participation of women candidates. Some of the Indian states such as Kerala, Goa have also reported the most number of participation of women in voting during the elections.      The Election Commission of India has encouraged women’s participation and as a result in 2009, the first-ever in the political history of India, 43% of women took part in political campaigning. In the general election occurred in 2014, 62 females were found to be elected in Lok Sabha within the age group between 41-50 years old. 

Benefits of women’s political participation 

The “benefit of women’s political participation” is that it attracts more women candidates in politics. Women and girls can consider it as an opportunity to take politics as a career option and serve the nation. The women candidates also attract more female voters. Women’s political participation is their fundamental right. Therefore, women’s political participation provides global acclamation to the country in meeting general diversity. Another benefit is that female politician also promotes leadership. The role of decision-making allotted to them also solves the humanitarian crisis.

Sports participation of women in India

Sports participation of women in India has increased in recent times. The first modern Olympics saw no participation of women candidates. The first Indian participation at the Olympics was in 1952. In the year 2000, a female athlete named Karnam Malleswari won bronze in the weightlifting category. Sports participation of Indian athletes such as P.T Usha has created an impact on young sports minds. The country has seen a significant rise in participation as well in winning gold, silver, and bronze medals.

The traditional male-dominant culture resulted in fewer women participation in sports in India. The female athletes have also sought global recognition such as M.C. Mary Kom, Sakshi Malik, P.V. Sindhu, and Saina Nehwal. This has inspired the young minds as well as the parents of the girl child to choose sports as a career. 

Participation of women in decision making in India

India being a democratic government allows women to hold public offices. The participation of women in decision-making has also increased over the years. The elected representatives who hold public offices are rising significantly. The annual index of the World Economic Forum shows India’s participation of women in decision-making is quite impressive. In 1993, the government of India reserved 33% of seats for women candidates who are willing to take part in decision-making being a part of local governing bodies. The reserved quotas allow the women to take part in the elections and provide them with a chase to serve the nation. The participation of women in decision-making has provided women both rich and poor to gain the opportunity of serving as elected speakers or chairpersons. 

Conclusion

From the above themes, it can be concluded that the participation of women in socio-political activities, decision-making, and sports have benefits. Participation of women creates a balance in the gender gap and encourages more women to participate. This boosts their skills and encourages active participation.