In the wake of the passage of the Women Reservation Bill (WRB) by a majority in Lok Sabha a few months back, the Jammu and Kashmir Women Reservation Bill (JKWRB) has now been passed in the parliament. Intending to provide 33 % quota to women in the Legislative Assembly, this Bill is tasked to raise the number of women representatives in the JK assembly. More representative JK legislature looks within sight unless it becomes a “causality of apathy and indifference” in inverted commas.
Not only should this Bill eliminate the insignificant political participation and political inclusion of women but it should mitigate the gender disparities and pave way for social justice for effective governance. A more representative legislature can better take care of the diverse needs of people. Under Article 2 of the UN Universal Decleration of Human Rights (1948), everyone is entitled to all the human rights and freedoms regardless of gender, race, language, political or other views.
Pertinently, empowering women is a key aspect for establishing a healthy democracy whose backbone is equality, not gender discrimination. Article 15 (1) of the country’s constitution prohibits discrimination against any citizen on the basis of gender. This constitutional right of women is inalienable. However, one apprehension is that the reservation might struggle in empowering women on the ground. It is difficult to disagree with the possibility of a proxy representation— male political figures may field female acquaintances or relatives as just rubber stamps and themselves act as real bosses far from the public eye.
And if the Bill ends up in bringing only the affluent women to limelight, then social inequalities may deepen their roots; that could condemn the less privileged women to disillusionment and deprivation. These concerns, although may not be important, cannot be overlooked in the long term.
Another positive of the Bill is that it can yield several social benefits. Women largely tend to focus on real issues — healthcare, education, employment and violation of rights. Hence, the increased participation of women in polity is likely to find more resources for the foregoing sectors.
Similarly, the increased representation in the legislative assembly can pull more and more women to public life, pushing gender bias and stereotypes to the backseat. Gender, therefore, shall no longer come in the way of career advancement in politics— particularly in a society where patriarchal dominance runs the show. If truth be told, low or no representation of one- half of the population in law making does more harm than good; it also reflects on the constitution. For attaining social justice and development with equity and justice, the representation of women in the legislature is a key requirement.
It is only the woman that can largely see the upside of having anti-domestic violence laws. Unless women find considerable voice in policymaking, issues concerning them would not gain adequate attention. Many states, including India, have signed the “Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women” ; as per this convention, a state (under Article 7) is required to eliminate discrimination against women in political and public life and make them as eligible as men to contest elections to all public bodies..
What remains to be seen is how long it will take for the Bill to come into effect. Moreover, the passing of the Bill into law will be tantamount to raising the status of women and taking another stride towards overcoming gender based issues and concerns. Stalling the move, however, will be anything but good service to the country. Most importantly, the JKWRB can potentially come as a psychological comfort to the women who against all odds have displayed their capabilities in public life.
Now this more representative character of the polity is bound to trickle down to the other walks of life and bolster the morale of more women for serving in nation building. The representation may enable women to take forward the legacy of the women who have risen in public life. Making up roughly 50 % of the population, the marginal presence of women in the law making institution looks bizarre. Many South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal have taken measures in improving women’s representation in their law making houses.
Is the passed Women Reservation Bill foreshadowing equal representation to women one fine day— no more reservation so to speak? Meanwhile, the mindset and attitudes of different stakeholders — power holding hands, public and society at large — could prove a sting in the tail at the implementation stage of the momentous Bill. Nonetheless, the Bill can reshape and enrich the political landscape of the JK legislature should it achieve substantial administrative and non-administrative backing. All obstacles notwithstanding.
(Author is a teacher and RK Columnist. Feedback: [email protected])
