Paper Presented at the 6th Asia Pacific Congress
on Political Empowerment of Women Organize
by the Center for Asia – Pacific Women in
Politics
10 -12 February 2006
Manila
Presented By : Durga Ghimire
Regional Coordinator, SACPEW
Kathmnadu, Nepal
Email : sacpew@mail.com.np
abc@transit.wlink.com.np
"South Asian Situation on Women in Politics "
Durga Ghimire
Regional Coordinator
SACPEW
Background
In many countries of South Asia women have played a very important role during the democratic
movement, but their participation in the various spheres of public life has continued to remain
minimal in comparison to their male counterparts. In many countries of South Asia special
provisions have been made to increase women's political participation, yet the percentage of
women in the higher levels of the political power structure has not risen. There are various
factors that have discouraged women from taking an active part in politics. The main reasons are
due to the amount of violence, corruption and manipulations, which are present. Many women
who have excellent leadership qualities are unwilling to participate in politics because of these
factors. It is therefore essential to make politics clean and green so that the flow of women into
the political arena in enlarged.
In our region women not only denied rightful place in the democratic polity, but also their voice
remain unheard. Though the situation has improved in some of those countries with the adoption
of quotas and reservation for women, especially in the field of local government, yet their
participation in the National level has not increased significantly.
The following data clearly indicate the situation of women in higher level of Power structure in
our region:
Country
Bangladesh
India
Nepal
Maldives
Sri lanka
Pakistan
Bhutan
Percentage
2%
8.8%
5.8%
6.3%
4.4%
20.%
2.0%
Level of Governance
Country
BANGLADESH
National
National Parliament
State/Provincial
Local
District Councils
Upuzila Parishads
Union Parishads
INDIA
NEPAL
Parliament
State
Rajya Sabha
Governments
Lok Sabha
Parliament
House of Representative
National Assembly
PAKISTAN
Parliament
National Assembly
Senate
Provincial
Assemblies
SRI LANKA
National Parliament
Executive President
Provincial
Councils
BHUTAN
National Assembly
MALDIVES
City
Corporative
/
Municipalities
Panchayathi Raj Institutions
at 3 level
Minucipalities
District Development Councils
(DDC's)
Village Development Councils
(VDC's)
Municipalities
Union Councils
Thesil Councils
Town Councils
District Councils
Municipal Crop / Metropolitan
Crop
Municipal Councils
Urban Councils
Pradeshiya Sabhas
District
Committee
Block
Committee
Development
Development
National Assembly
Women’s Participation
Current Situation
in
the Political Power Structure in our Region –
In Nepal, women were proactive participants in all the recent major political movements. Their
participation in the people's movement in 1989 was outstanding. However, despite all the
constitutional assurances and the flowery words expressed by the leaders, women's participation
in the political process is negligible.
The constitution of 1990 has proclaimed gender equality and it has made compulsory provision
for the political parties to have at least 5% women candidate in parliament election. Likewise,
three seats have been reserved for women in the upper house out of 60 members.
The following tables clearly indicate the percentage of women in the parliament after the
restoration of democracy: -
Women Elected to the Lower House of Parliament
Year
Percentage of Women Elected
1991
1995
1999
3.9
3.41
5.08
In Nepal the Local Self Governance Act made especial provision to increase the participation of
women at local level. This act states that one seat must be reserved for women in each ward of
the Village Development Committee. Due to this compulsory provision about 40,000 female
candidates were elected in the local level election of 1997. The provision really forced all
political parties to support a female candidate and encourage women to become involve in the
political process.
Since last ten years Nepal is facing the problem of internal arm conflict. It has severely affected
all walks of our lives. During this time period more than 12000 thousand people have lost their
lives and large number of people has been forced to leave their place of origin. There have been
reports of rape torture and other forms of intimidation on women. Many women have become
widows, and many children have become orphans. It has severely affected our political process
since 2003 Nepal there is no parliament. King is directly ruling the country, and political parties
are I n the street and demanding for the restoration of Democracy.
In Pakistan, the system of the reserved seats for women in legislative assemblies has existed in
one form or the other since its creation. In the 1956 constitution provided for 10 reserved seats
for women in the National Assembly. In January 1999, the PPP introduced a bill in the Senate,
proposing 9 reserved seats for women in the Senate, 40 in the NA (double the previous number)
and 20% in the provisional assembly (four times the previous reservation).However reserved
seats have been reintroduced in 2002. 60 seats are reserved for women in Pakistan National
Assembly. Presently a total of 71 women have obtain representation at national level, 60 on
reserve seats and 11 on general seats. Women occupy a total of 128 seats in provincial
Assemblies. In local government presently 33% seats are reserved for women and a total of
36,191 women have been elected to local councils.
In Pakistan with the reintroduction of the reserved seats there is a marked increase in women's
representation. Over 20% women at national level and almost 70% at provincial level. A country
wide signature campaign under taken by the advocacy organization was very important in this
respect. Massive endorsements were
received from more than 1, 50000 civil society
organizations, thousands of individuals, leaders and 19 political parties, a some ministers and
office bearers of several women Wings.
Bhutan is one of the few countries where there are no political parties. However, at the district
and village levels there are established mechanisms that foster active people’s participation in the
policy making process. Women in Bhutan enjoy economic and political equality with the men.
Bhutanese women are free to participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and
programs. At the national level, 14 out of the 150 National Assembly members are women.
The increased involvement of women in development efforts as decision – makers and
representatives of the people is receiving priority within the government, under its overreaching
goal of decentralization and participation by all citizens. However, unlike its neighboring
countries, there are no seats or quotas reserved for women at the National Assembly or any other
governing bodies. Advancement in the civil service and elsewhere is based solely on the
women's merit, willingness and preparedness to participate in policy and decision making.
Over the years, there has been a visible increase in the number of women in the civil service who
effectively participate in the policy-making process of the government.
In India only 8% of parliamentarians are women. Eleven years after the Beijing Conference,
women are still politically severely under-represented. Structural transformation is needed, in the
form of reservation of seats for women (preferably 50%), to ensure women are given the
opportunity to participate in decision-making, and to overcome the current institutionalized
inequality. The major strategy taken by the women group for political empowerment is
conducting various capacity building training establishment of network group at different level ,
lobby and advocacy at different level to increase women's political participation, organize
exhibition for mass awareness, puppet shows to make women aware that women are capable to
run the government as men do, poverty alleviation program, self-help groups, scheme for selfemployment, political training at both grassroots and national level, and emphasis of the
importance of education for women.
In India the 73rd and 74th amendments passed in 1992 has been instrumental in gaining a vast
representation of women in local government institution (one third representation of women in
local government, as well as one third chair persons to be women, but there are still no
reservation seats for women in State Legislative Assembly nor in parliament at national level
The demand for the reservation in the parliament by women group has raised many eyebrows
and severe criticism. Many times the bill was taken in the parliament but failed. Women's past
experience in the parliament have convinced them of the futility of getting into parliament
without reservation.
In the recent past, the provision for political representation has emerged as the single most
significant demand made by the women's movement all over the India. The major agenda in the
various seminars and workshop is the 33% reservation in the parliament and state legislature.
In Sri Lanka, despite mechanism set up, the reality is that a very slow progress in women’s
participation of the women in decision-making levels and in politics. A special report on “The
Gender Question and Human Development in South Asia” put out by the Mahbub Ul Haq
Human Development Centre reveals that although Sri Lanka has far the best statistics in South
Asia for infant mortality, maternal mortality and female literacy- it is among the worst in terms
of female participation in the legislative process.
In the October 2000 election there were 22 political parties and 91 independent groups which
were able to field only 117 women in a total of 5,048 candidates. In the recently dissolved
parliament 2001, at the National level (2000) there were only 9 women in the parliament of 225
members (4%). In Srilanka reserve seats have never been accepted
The response from existing political parties to increase the representation of women continues to
be extremely low. The degree of resistance to women entering the political arena was manifest in
the unprecedented preciousness of violence against women unleashed during election campaign
in 1999. Also of concern is the fact women still lack the skills, resources, social acceptance and
the security to contest, win and remain in politics on the same footing as men. The main
constraint in women entering politics is the lack of nominations by the political parties, who
assert that they want to launch "winning" candidates, thus implying that women do not qualify as
such.
The positive move in the political scene was the move by women organization to prepare women
manifesto, which was strategically distributed in order to impact on political trend and
developments in the country. The more this move resulted in political parties picking up women
issues and launching their own party women manifesto is the part of their election campaign.
The political system of Maldives is quite different to that of the rest of the South Asian countries.
There is no special quota system in the parliament. In the absence of constitutional barriers to
women’s participation in top management, the main constraint of women’s access to this
position is the attitude of women themselves. The culture of female subordination has so much
deeply rooted that the women generally believe that they are less capable than their male
counterparts. At present women’s participation at the parliament is 6.3%.
In Bangladesh gender discrimination is deeply imbedded in the social structure. Women are
discriminated against in family, society, workplace and political arena. The 1972 Constitution of
Bangladesh reserves 15 seats for women in parliament. In 1976 quota was increased by 100%
(30 seats). This provision laps in 1987. It was revised in 1990. In 1991 election 36 women
contested in the National parliament and 4 were elected. At present percent of women in
parliament is 2 %
In the National parliyament of Bangladesh, with 30 reserve seats in the parliament in the
elections of 1991 and 1996,the number of women in general and the reserved seat was 35
[5+30 or 10.60% and 11.20% respectively] Now with the withdrawal of the reserve seat in
April 12, 2001 the number of women declined from 37 to 6 during elections held in 2001[
only 2%total women participation] Lack of education among women is often cited as the
reason for their low participation, but this is not the case In reality it is due to the lack of
political and social will to support them.
The role of religion in politics is also increasing working against women, as fundamentalist
ideals further restrict their activities. It is important to ensure that religion is quite separate from
politics. There fore the need of the time is to think about a new approach and also for strong
net working among various level
Challenges and Constraints
Wrong Social and Cultural valeus
It is generally accepted by a majority of people, both male and female, that the women's
role is in the home. Women are considered stupid and ignorant when it comes to matters of any
real importance. When they are constantly being told that they are not intelligent enough to
participate in politics it is no wonder that they do not believe in themselves. Women are
generally encouraged to believe that politics is much to complicate for them to understand and so
it is best left to men. They should stay at home, cooking and cleaning and having children.
Women who do have a slight inclination to achieve something in life might be encouraged to be
a nurse, midwife or school teacher as these are jobs in their league.
Lack of Education and Awareness
We have already seen that the literacy rate of women is considerably lower than that of
men. Boys are encouraged to attend school whereas girls are of more use in the home. This
denial of a basic education means that the majority of women do not realize that they are not
receiving their full rights. It is difficult to teach them when they cannot read and difficult for
them to stand up for themselves when they cannot write.
Patriarchal Values and Norms
The main reason for low political participation of women in politics is the patriarchal
structure of society. According to our traditions and culture the participation of women in
politics and the public eye is against the generally accepted role of women. The patriarchal
values have subjugated and distempered women.
Criminalization
Criminalization in politics has increased rapidly in recent years. Mafia, money,
manipulation and muscle power have played dominant roles in South Asian politics. Because of
this scenario it is very difficult to motivate and encourage women to come forward and take part
in this "dirty game". Women feel that it is not their territory, that men are better players than
them. This view is simply not true. Women can be just as good, if not better when it comes to
these dealings.
Lack of Family Support
Family support can either prevent or promote women from participating in politics.
Women who come from families with a strong political history will often be encouraged to
continue the work of past relatives. Women generally need to receive permission from their
husbands or fathers in order to embark on a political career. Without this permission and support
it would very difficult for women to become a successful politician. This is not only because of
the financial help, which is so often required, but also for moral encouragement.
The role which women have in the home gives additional ties to female politicians, which
reduce their mobility. Women who are married and trying to bring up children while keeping a
home will find it almost impossible to work full time as well. This problem is enhanced in a
country like Nepal because of the large family sizes that put additional burdens on women. To
participate in politics women often find that they must either be less committed to their families
and homes or put marriage and married life on hold until they have finished their political
careers.
Lack of Institutional Support
Though there are many institutions established for the over all development of women
there is a lack of institutional mechanism, which can encourage and support women to take part
in elections. There are many women's organizations related to different political parties but they
have not been able to provide moral and financial support to women who are interested in
becoming involved in politics.
Economic Dependency
As already mentioned, funds are required in order to embark upon a political career. The
majority of women are financially dependent upon their husbands or fathers. Women without
money do not have the freedom to make their own decisions and do as they want. A woman who
wants to become involved in politics but has no funds must have the support of her family. This
can be difficult to obtain because of the cultural way of thinking.
Recommendations and Future Strategies
In order to encourage more women to participate in politics the following activities have been
formulated:
1. Change in the value system
The whole value system prevalent in politics has to be changed, which currently exist within the
male dominated system. Women's value includes peace, tolerance, inclusive ness and respect for
democracy and the world badly need those value now.
2. Leadership Development
Leadership development programmes for women would promote their confidence and
teach them that they are capable of occupying political positions. The public relations and
management skills of women could also be developed in these programmes. Training would
encourage them to take part in politics as well as raising the political consciousness among
women.
3. Transformative Politics
There is a great need for transformative politics, which means transforming the "money
and muscle" dominance into something more people's centered and transparent. It means doing
away with corruption and aiming for accountability. Clean elections need to be brought about
along with an election system that is favorable for women's political empowerment.
4. Support from Women's Pressure groups
Pressure groups and support groups should be formed throughout the country to work as
lobbying groups in conjunction with political parties. Their aims should be to increase the
political participation of women at various levels of the power structure and to support women
eager to take part in politics.
5. Increase the number of seats reserved for women
The existing constitutional provision related to women's politics is very limited. More
seats should be reserved for women at all levels of the political power structure, not only at the
higher level.
6. Electoral Reform
Strict implementation of the legal provisions related to election expenditures, violence, voter
identification and corrupt practices.
7. Economic Empowerment
Women must be given the opportunity to become economically independent so that they
are able to make their own decisions without needing the permission of their husbands or fathers.
There is a great need to change all the discriminatory laws related to women.
8. Set up foundation for Women
There is also a need to set up foundation for women in politics at the national level which
should undertake training, networking, mobilization of women voters and also monitoring of the
performance of elected candidates.
i)
Training and Awareness:
Members of the women’s wings of the political parties should be provided with various
training to make them more effective. A roster of prospective candidates of each party should be
prepared. There is a definite need to raise awareness throughout the country to the ability and
potential of female politicians as well as encouraging women to come forward as political
candidates. The programmes must try to change the concept that politics is a "dirty game" that is
not suitable for women.
ii)
Formation of Alliances and Networking Groups
There is a need to form alliances and network group to do lobby and advocacy to
promote women's political participation. Alliances form only at the time of election will not
achieve real progress. Strong networks must be formed and kept alive at all time. There is a need
to include more men in the networks. The alliance should also work as a pressure group to
promote the implementation of the UN resolution for 33% representation of women in all level
of power structure.
9. Change in the Negative role of the Media
In many countries of South Asia the media have been playing a negative role by
projecting stereotype roles for women. There is a great need to change the attitude of the media
through various gender sensitive-training programmes.
10. Affirmative Action
Affirmative action such as the creation of reserve seat in parliament is an important strategy
for creating an enabling environment to increase women's participation in public life. Looking at
the scenario of South Asia region, there is a need for affirmative action in all level of power
structure. Some people were of the opinion that this affirmative action causes more problems, but
looking at the present scenario of women's political participation in our region there is an urgent
need to adopt affirmative action.
11. Change in traditional beliefs and the values system
The belief that women are weak, sexual objects must be changed. These types of beliefs
are deeply rooted in our society. The main task is to change the traditional believes of people
through positive promotion of the values of women.
12. Success Stories of Women
Success stories of women gaining headway in the arena of politics have reserved as insipiration
fo other women to run for public office or support women candidates.
13. Create a campaigning fund for women
There is also need to establish campaign fund for women. Majority of the women in our region
are poor and deprived by the basic needs of life. To stand in the election means to spend a lot of
money for campaign as well as for other necessities. So, campaign fund support them to contest
in the election as well as it will boost their moral too.
14. Encouragement from the Political Parties
The role of the political parties is very important for increasing women's political
participation. It has been observed that women are not being encouraged by the political parties.
All the political parties should reserved at least 30-40% of their positions for women in all parts
of the party hierarchy, especially at the decision making level.
Conclusions
It will be impossible to create any change to policies without increasing the
representation of women in the various levels of the political power structure. Women need to
learn about politics, its impacts and its positive consequences. They must understand the
importance of their vote. Everyone must realize that women are essential parts of a political
system that is free from corruption and exploitation. The voices of women strengthen democracy
and will lead to a peaceful, developed and equal society. Political parties should encourage more
women to enter into politics. They should not be used only as votes but to help bring about
change to the present political structure.