ABSTRACT
This chapter focusses on the political representation and participation of women. India is a bicameral parliamentary democracy, with a strong multiparty political system. Women have become increasingly active and influential in the political life of India, marked by increased participation in voting since 2012, greater political representation at the panchayat levels and an increased input into decision-making and policy formulation. The chapter assesses the extent to which women’s human rights principles, particularly those outlined in article 7 of CEDAW, and women’s human rights theories have been or could be utilised to advance the political representation and participation of women in key areas. Those areas include women’s participation as voters, women’s representation in elected public office at all levels of governance extending from the national government to local panchayats where day-to-day administration occurs and, finally, women’s participation in decision-making, policy formulation and lawmaking once elected to public office. All components are central to the full political representation and participation of women, which is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy.
