Despite efforts to achieve a fairer and more equitable society in India, the country continues to grapple with deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes. Shocking incidents, such as accusations of sexual assault against politicians from various parties, highlight the pervasive influence of patriarchal culture. For example, female Olympic wrestlers accused the then-wrestling federation president, who is a BJP Member of Parliament, of sexual assault, but their pleas for action were allegedly ignored. This incident points to a larger issue of women’s concerns being sidelined in a political landscape dominated by other priorities like religion, temple politics, and minorities.
In an attempt to address these issues, some politicians have focused on attracting women voters by emphasizing women’s issues. Notably, the BJP women’s wing president, Ms. Vanathi Srinivasan, highlighted the efforts made by Prime Minister Modi to increase attention on Indian women since coming to power in 2014. She mentioned that political parties are increasingly recognizing the importance of women voters and are making efforts to address their concerns. Additionally, psephologist Yashwant Deshmukh noted that politicians are making significant efforts to win over female voters by announcing schemes and addressing issues such as law and order, harassment, and rape, which are increasingly becoming important topics for discussion.
Despite these efforts, the underlying patriarchal culture in India continues to present challenges for women’s rights and representation in politics. The incident of female athletes being detained by police while trying to petition during Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration highlights the ongoing struggles faced by women in asserting their voices and demanding action against those responsible for sexual assault. This indicates a need for more comprehensive measures to address the deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes that hinder progress towards gender equality in Indian society.
The lack of attention given to women’s issues in Indian elections reflects a broader trend where issues related to women are often overshadowed by other political priorities. Religion, temple politics, and minority interests frequently dominate the political discourse, leaving women’s concerns overlooked. However, there is a growing recognition among politicians of the importance of the female vote, prompting a shift towards addressing women’s issues more prominently in the political agenda. This gradual change indicates a positive step towards prioritizing women’s rights and representation in Indian politics.
While there appears to be progress in acknowledging and addressing women’s issues in Indian politics, there is still much work to be done to combat the underlying patriarchal culture that continues to hinder gender equality and women’s empowerment. The focus on attracting women voters and addressing their concerns demonstrates a growing awareness of the need to prioritize women’s rights in political decision-making. However, lasting change requires a comprehensive approach that challenges patriarchal attitudes, promotes gender equality, and ensures the meaningful participation of women in all levels of society. By continuing to push for progress and holding politicians accountable for their promises, there is hope for a future where women in India are truly empowered and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
