Transforming women's representation in Parliament into real change by 2029
The article discusses the potential of the Women's Reservation Act to create India's most gender-representative Parliament by 2029, reserving one-third of Lok Sabha seats for women. However, it emphasizes that mere presence is insufficient; real change requires addressing women-specific issues like elder care, which currently lacks a policy framework and gender dimension. India is ageing rapidly, with women disproportionately affected by lower savings, broken employment histories, and lack of caregivers. The author argues that political parties must integrate dignified ageing for women into their manifestos and campaigns now, not after the 2029 elections, to ensure meaningful impact.
Key Points
- The Women's Reservation Act will reserve one-third of Lok Sabha seats for women by 2029, promising a more gender-representative Parliament.
- Effective representation requires addressing specific issues relevant to women, beyond just their presence in Parliament.
- Elder care for women is highlighted as a critical, unaddressed policy area, lacking a gender dimension in existing policies.
- India's ageing population disproportionately affects women, who face compounded disadvantages like lower savings and lack of caregivers.
- Political parties are urged to make dignified ageing for women a core commitment in their campaigns and manifestos before the 2029 elections.
Exam Facts
- Women's Reservation Act reserves one-third of Lok Sabha seats for women.
- India's population above 60 years is projected to cross 250 million by 2040.
- National Policy for Older Persons (1999) and Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme are mentioned as existing policies.
- A 2023 study in Alzheimer's & Dementia journal estimates 8.8 million Indians over 60 live with dementia.
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