GS1Indian Society·19 Apr 2026·3 min read

Introduction to Women's Representation in Indian Politics

According to April 2026 data by Parline, India ranks 147 out of 190 countries in terms of women's representation in Lower Houses of Parliament. This ranking highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Indian politics, despite efforts to increase women's participation in local governance. India has over 1.45 million women in local governance, accounting for 46% of the total, following the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts that mandated one-third reservation for women in local governance structures.

•India ranks 147 out of 190 countries in terms of women's representation in the Lower Houses of Parliament, according to the April 2026 data by Parline, a tracker on national parliaments maintained by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
•This ranking highlights the significant underrepresentation of women in Indian politics.
•The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, which mandated the reservation of one-third of all elected positions in local governance structures for women, have been a landmark in Indian political history.

India ranks 147 out of 190 countries in terms of women's representation in the Lower Houses of Parliament, according to the April 2026 data by Parline, a tracker on national parliaments maintained by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This ranking highlights the significant underrepresentation of women in Indian politics. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, which mandated the reservation of one-third of all elected positions in local governance structures for women, have been a landmark in Indian political history.

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, which came into effect in 1993, aimed at ensuring equitable representation of women in decision-making bodies at the grassroots level. These amendments have led to the reservation of one-third of all elected positions in local governance structures, known as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), for women. As a result, India has over 1.45 million women in local governance across the country, constituting 46% of total elected representatives in local governance bodies.

Women's Participation in Local Governance

India is one of the highest-ranked countries in terms of women's participation in local governance, with 46.6% of total elected representatives being women. The 2023 Global Gender Gap report added the inclusion of women's participation in local governance as a new indicator of gender equality. This highlights the importance of women's representation in local governance and its impact on gender equality. However, despite this progress, women's representation in higher levels of politics, such as state legislatures and Parliament, remains low.

Challenges Faced by Women in Politics

Women in politics face numerous challenges, including patriarchal societal norms, lack of access to education and economic resources, and limited opportunities for political participation. The quote by an expert, "power is not very hospitable to any kind of weaker groups. So, women being in a patriarchal society (and) being the less privileged group, they would not get their due share in this field as well," highlights the difficulties faced by women in politics. These challenges are further exacerbated by the lack of support from political parties and the absence of effective mechanisms to address gender-based violence and discrimination.

The Way Forward

To increase women's representation in politics, it is essential to address the underlying structural barriers and societal norms that prevent women from participating in politics. This can be achieved through initiatives such as gender mainstreaming, women's empowerment programs, and electoral reforms. Additionally, political parties must take concrete steps to increase women's representation in their ranks and provide them with opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act and the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act have been instrumental in promoting women's participation in local governance, and similar initiatives can be implemented at higher levels of politics.

Significance of Women's Representation

Research has shown that women's involvement in politics can lead to effective policy outcomes, reduced corruption, less conflict, and greater inclusion of women in the labour force. The presence of women in politics can also bring diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to more inclusive and representative decision-making. Therefore, it is essential to promote women's representation in politics and address the challenges faced by women in this field.

Did You Know? Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in its national legislature, with 64% of seats held by women, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while India has made significant progress in promoting women's participation in local governance, there is still a long way to go in increasing women's representation in higher levels of politics. Addressing the underlying structural barriers and societal norms that prevent women from participating in politics is crucial to achieving this goal. By promoting women's empowerment and providing opportunities for women to participate in decision-making processes, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and representative political system.