Political Science Project – Rough Draft
Topic : Representation of Women in Politics, Progress and Challenges.
Introduction
The role of women in participating and shaping societies has evolved significantly over
time, with increasing representation in various fields such as politics, education,
science, healthcare, entrepreneurship, defence, and what not. Historically after being
avoided from public and leadership roles, women have fought for a long time very hardly
for recognition, rights, and equal opportunities. Their efforts have not only made
ground-breaking changes but have also reshaped global perception about gender
equality, governance, social justice etc.,.
Marked by remarkable progress on one hand and continuous challenges on the other,
today, women are steadily claiming their space in power structures, contributing fresh
perspectives, showcasing ethical leadership, and many more. Women continue to
break barriers, redefine norms, and build a more fair world.
This project explores how women are entering and making progress in multiple sectors,
the systemic challenges they face, and their contributions towards local and global
development.
Executive Summary :
.Firsts a vague yet deep interpretation about how women’s role in politics we’re, and
then how it transformed, along with the women who were the reason for this
improvement.
. Then the impeccable mark that women made in the progress of various fields which
has changed the way the world run, and these include some of the most thriving fields
like entrepreneurship, education and healthcare, politics etc.,.
. It continues with some of the world’s longest problems faced by the female
population. But then the way women have proved themselves and broken barriers to
thrive and win every individual in all.
. Then the advantages and disadvantages that women have and are still facing have
been written down, which are some of the most prominent and unjust one.
Objectives
. The main objective of the project is to look into the past and present role that women
play in various sectors of this world, and especially in the political sector.
. Then analysing the problems that women most prominently face, along with how they
overcame the same and enhanced the world to make it a better and advanced version
for all.
Women’s Representation in Politics
Women’s representation in politics has been growing globally, although with a lot of
lacking of gender equality Historically women were excluded from regular political roles
such as voting, being a party member etc., until a lot of suffrage movements in the late
19th and early 20th centuries. In that, New Zealand is the first country to grant this right to
it’s women citizens in 1893. Since then, women have slowly entered parliaments and
leadership positions.
In India, women’s political participation began gaining popularity ever since the
involvement of great leaders like Sarojini Naidu( Telangana) and Vijaya
Lakshmi(Alahabad), J. Jayalalithaa( Tamil Nadu). Another powerful female in politics
was Indira Gandhi’s and her role as Prime Minister (1966–77, 1980–84)marked a
milestone in women’s leadership. Despite these early achievements, current data
shows that women occupy only 15.2% of seats in the Lok Sabha and 14.1% in the Rajya
Sabha, which is significantly below the global average of 26.5% (as per the Inter-
Parliamentary Union, 2024).
With this we get to know that globally countries like Rwanda lead with women
representation in politics with over 61% women in their lower house, followed by Cuba
(55%), Nicaragua (52%), and Mexico (50%). European nations such as Sweden and
Finland also showcase strong female presence in politics, in which leaders like Jacinda
Ardern (former PM of New Zealand) and Sanna Marin (former PM of Finland) became
symbols of female leadership. In contrast, along with India, countries like the United
States have made slower progress where women comprise 29% of the U.S. Congress,
but with also some heavy representation, like the strong competition Kamala Harris
presented to the former ad now President Donal Trump.
Only when the male population and their power ego gets down, the ratios of gender
equality will turn positive for women, and their leadership in politics will change, helping
the entire world change positive and strong and ethical.
Women’s Representation in Progress
1) Political Progress
Women’s representation in politics has been steadily progressing upwards, but it
is uneven across different regions and political systems across the world.
Globally, as of 2024, women hold around 26.5% of parliamentary seats, which is
a notable increase from just 11.3% in 1995. This upward trend reflects growing
awareness, more importance for gender equality, and many more. The countries
with higher female representation in politics, like Finland, New Zealand, and
Iceland tend to work better and improve on matters like governance, peace, and
public trust.
In India, the Women’s Reservation Bill (2023) gives a promise of reserving 33% of
seats for women in the Parliament and state legislative assemblies, which marks
a major step forward. While its full implementation is pending, it holds the
promise of transforming women’s political participation. Women in politics and
bring diverse perspectives and more importance to issues such as healthcare,
education, child welfare, and environmental protection. For instance, village-
level governance in India has improved significantly, where women sarpanches
(village heads) lead, who often focus more on water, sanitation, and community
welfare.
2) Education and Healthcare:
In the educational field , women’s increased participation has been leading to
many betterments all around the world, especially focused towards increased
literacy rate, better family health and family planning, lower infant mortality,
skilled citizens and many more improved economic outcomes. Studies show
that educated women are more likely to send their children to school, breaking
cycles of poverty and orthodox beliefs and practices.
In healthcare, female professionals half a major part, often serving in
underserved areas, ensuring community well-being. They are spread across
various branches of healthcare, including nursing, doctors, army services,
veterinarians, psychologists, children’s counselling psychologist etc.,.
3) Science and Invention
In science and invention, contributions from women start from ground breaking
invention, to space touching science. Women have contribute to many
breakthroughs that have directly impact national development, from healthcare
technology to space research. Historically, women like Marie Curie, the first
woman to win a Nobel Prize, and she is the only person to win in two scientific
fields (Physics and Chemistry), has paved the way for future generations.
In India many women scientists have played key roles in national achievements
and progress in the fields. For example, Tessy Thomas, known as the “Missile
Woman of India”, led India’s Agni missile project. ISRO’s Mangalyaan (Mars
Orbiter Mission) a historic achievement had several women in senior leadership
roles, including Ritu Karidhal and Nandini Harinath.
4) Entrepreneurship
Women have significantly contributed to the progress of the entrepreneurial
field, in which they are transforming economies, generating employment, and
conceiving innovation across various sectors. Despite facing many barriers such
as limited access to capital, gender bias, social expectations, and balancing
work and family life, women entrepreneurs have risen in a very powerful manner
and have been the seed of change and economic developments.
All around the world women own/lead about one-third of all businesses, with
seeventures spanning from small-scale, home-based enterprises to high-growth
startups and large corporations. For instance, in the United States, women-
owned businesses generate over $1.8 trillion annually, and their numbers have
increased significantly over the past two decades.
In India, women entrepreneurs have been thriving in sectors like fashion,
education, healthcare, technology, and finance mainly. Leaders like Kiran
Mazumdar-Shaw (founder of Biocon, a leading biotech firm), Falguni Nayar
(founder of Nykaa, billion-dollar e-commerce platform), and Vandana Luthra
(founder of VLCC) have not only built successful enterprises but also inspired a
new generation of women entrepreneurs.
The rise of digital platforms and government initiatives like Startup India, Mudra
Yojana, and Stand Up India has further enabled women to access funding and
mentorship to start their ventures. At the lower level, millions of women are
operating small enterprises and self-help groups (SHGs), particularly in rural
India. These small ventures—ranging from dairy farming to handicrafts—boost
local economies, hence boosting the country’s economy. Organizations like
SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) have supported thousands of
women in gaining financial independence and leadership skills, which have
significantly helped with the acceleration of the progress of women
entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship itself.
Women’s Representation in Challenges
1) Social and Political
Women often face gender bias, harassments, limited access to funding, and lack of
support from political parties while trying to help with social and political challenges
of the world. Societal expectations and traditional roles further restrict participation
in political activities. However, the introduction of reservation policies, proper public
representation and popularity, gender quotas, and women’s wings in political parties
has helped increase participation and solving various crisis. India, for instance,
passed the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, reserving 33% of seats for women in
Parliament and state assemblies—a potential game-changer if implemented
effectively. Women’s successes in policy-making, social reform, and leadership
continue to prove that increased female participation strengthens democratic
institutions and fosters more balanced decision-making and problem solving across
the world.
2) Global Health and Crisis
World wide women make up about 70% of the healthcare and social care
workforce, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). They serve as
doctors, nurses, midwives, community health workers, caregivers etc.,. Yet, they
are kept away from leadership roles. They’re holding only about 25% of high level
positions in health institutions.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, women were on the front lines, providing
critical care, testing, and vaccination services. Despite their vital roles, they face
higher exposure risks, heavier workloads, and often lacked access to personal
protective equipment (PPE).
Women also lead global health organizations and initiatives, like Dr. Soumya
Swaminathan (former Chief Scientist at WHO) and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
(Director-General of the World Trade Organization), who played key roles in the
progress of the health care industry, by providing many life saving services like
fair vaccine access to all people and pandemic recovery planning.
3) Defence Sector
Women in the defence sector have faced numerous challenges, due to deep
societal biases and stereotypes that questioned their capability for difficult roles
in the sector, significant infrastructure and policy gaps that limited their
opportunities and growth etc.,. The “dual burden” of professional duties and
domestic responsibilities, along with inadequate support systems and concerns
over physical differences, historically them being confined to non-combat roles
etc., has created a “glass ceiling” in leadership. Sexual harassment and
discrimination have also been brutal realities which showcases the difficulties of
navigating a male-dominated sector. However, women have consistently risen to
these challenges with remarkable resilience and determination. Supreme Court
judgments have been supportive for women, mandating permanent commission
for women officers and opening doors to the National Defence Academy,
ensuring their full integration and career progression across all three services.
Individual women have shattered stereotypes by excelling as fighter pilots,
leading units in operational areas like Operation Sindoor, and achieving
extraordinary feats like circumnavigating the globe. The proactive efforts of the
government and military, including the implementation of gender-neutral
policies and the “Agnipath Scheme,” are further strengthening their presence.
These achievements not only highlight women’s immense contributions to
national security but also serve as powerful inspirations, gradually transforming
societal perceptions and paving the way for a more inclusive and effective
defense force protecting the lives of the world.
Some advantages and disadvantages women face in various sectors:
1) Advantages :
Women’s increasing participation in politics globally has yielded many
advantages across various sectors. In the defense sector, the involvement of
women into combat and leadership roles has brought in better strategies and
improved unit cooperation. Their presence brings fresh perspectives to conflict
resolution, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism, often leading to more safer
security approaches. Politically, women leaders advocating for gender inclusion
in defence has pushed for policies that strengthen national security by trying to
provide better resources to women, as seen in India with the opening of the
National Defence Academy to women. In the education sector, women
politicians create policies that enhance access to quality education, particularly
for girls and minor communities, directly impacting literacy rates and skill
development. For the entrepreneurship sector, women in politics have helped
form policies that foster an environment for female-led businesses, including
access to funding, mentorship programs etc.,. This political support boosts
economic growth, creates jobs, and empowers women economically,
showcasing a virtuous cycle of political, economic empowerment and
empowerment in many more fields.
2) Disadvantages :
Despite these advantages, the world continues to face disadvantages and
challenges starting from the often-slow progress of women in politics. In the
defense sector, women still face deep-seated patriarchal biases, resistance to
their authority in command roles, and inadequate gender-sensitive
infrastructure, leading to lower motivation, emotional stability and limited career
progression. Political advertisements or promises about women’s empowerment
in defense often hide the persistent on-the-ground challenges and cultural
resistance that women still face. In the education sector, while women are
prominent as educators, their restrictions from leadership and policymaking
positions limits their influence on systemic reforms. Political stereotypes around
women’s education can sometimes pull girls out of school, especially in rural
areas, can stop authorities on concentrating for giving special attention to girls
education, infrastructure of their education campus and many more. For the
entrepreneurship sector, women often face gender biases in financial
institutions and male-dominated business networks. While political initiatives
promote women entrepreneurs, challenges like limited access to capital,
societal expectations regarding work-life balance, and vulnerability to
harassment often hinders their ability to run businesses and realize their full
potential in that business stream.
