What about half of the population?

Public discussion on women’s  participation in the world’s biggest electoral  

 Kapish Shilimkar ( BAJMC Second Year) 

Pune : Women in India, who constitute nearly half of the electorate, have emerged as a formidable force in shaping political outcomes. However, this force has always been ignored in the male dominant political space. On this background the BBC Marathi, a part  of BBC  world service has organised one day public discussion on ‘Her Manifesto’ to discuss the  contemporary socio-cultural and political dynamics of  women in India on  1st May 2024 here at Pune Patrakar Bhavan ( Office of  Union of Pune Working Journalists Association). 

One of the significant topics covered is women’s safety, a perennial issue in India, which remains a top priority for many voters. The programme sheds light on the implementation and efficacy of safety measures introduced by the current government and scrutinizes the promises made by the opposition. Personal stories of women from rural and urban areas who have been affected by safety concerns bring a human face to the statistics, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Health care is another critical area where women’s needs are prominently discussed. The BBC Marathi programme explored how maternal health services, accessibility to quality healthcare, and reproductive rights are becoming important electoral issues.

Economic empowerment of women is also a major focus. However, it also critically analyzes the gender wage gap, the underrepresentation of women in formal sectors, and the challenges women face in balancing work and family responsibilities. The programme featured success stories of women entrepreneurs and self-help groups that have made significant strides, underscoring the potential of economic independence to transform women’s lives.

Education for girls is another pivotal issue discussed in the programme. The BBC Marathi team traveled to various regions to report on the status of girl child education, the implementation of schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the barriers that still persist in ensuring every girl gets an education. The stories of girls who have overcome immense odds to pursue their studies are both inspiring and indicative of the progress that still needs to be made.

Political representation of women forms a crucial part of the discussion. Despite various efforts, women are still significantly underrepresented in Indian politics. The programme analyzed  the impact of women’s reservation in local bodies and the need for similar measures in the state and national legislatures. Interviews with female politicians, activists, and voters provide a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in enhancing women’s political participation.

The BBC Marathi programme also emphasizes the importance of intersectionality, recognizing that women from different backgrounds—whether based on caste, class, or region—face unique challenges. This nuanced approach ensures that the discussions are inclusive and reflect the diverse experiences of women across India.

Kapish Shilimkar ( BAJMC Second Year)