India's Gender Gap and Political Representation

Summary of the Global Gender Gap Index 2025 Report in India

• General Overview: India has fallen two places to 131st out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index for 2025. Despite some progress in economic participation, education, and health, political empowerment for women has declined.

• Key Statistics:

  • Women in Parliament dropped from 14.7% (78 MPs) in 2024 to 13.79% (74 MPs) in 2025.
  • Women in ministerial positions decreased from 6.45% to 5.56% during the same period.
  • The new legislation providing a 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State legislatures, passed in 2023, is set for implementation in 2029.

• Historical Context:

  • Women's representation in the Lok Sabha has varied, with peaks of 14% in 2019 and lows of 3.4% in 1977.
  • At the time of the 2023 reservation legislation, women represented merely 9% of MLAs, with varying degrees across states (e.g., Chhattisgarh: 18%, Himachal Pradesh: 1, Mizoram: 0).

• Sustainability Concerns:

  • The reservation is valid for only 15 years, spanning potentially only the 2029 and 2034 general elections, raising questions about the longevity of women's political empowerment gains.
  • The effectiveness of the reservation also hinges on whether political parties will appoint more women to ministerial positions, as representation in governance remains crucial.

• Voter Trends:

  • The gender gap in voting has narrowed significantly from a 17-percentage point difference in 1962 to less than two points in 2014.
  • In recent elections, women voters have surpassed men, aided by male migration trends, leading parties to cater specifically to this demographic with various welfare schemes.

• Political Representation Issues:

  • Although women constitute a significant voter base, this has not translated to increased representation as parties often reserve seats for women in less favorable constituencies.
  • Analysts suggest that the lack of representation stems from parties’ perceptions of 'winnability,' resulting in fewer women candidates in competitive seats.

• Higher Winning Rates of Women Candidates:

  • Historical data indicate that women candidates have consistently outperformed their male counterparts in terms of winning percentages in elections since 1952, yet remain significantly underrepresented on candidate lists.

• Current Political Climate:

  • Political parties display a reluctance to field women candidates in prominent positions, often due to a lack of perceived electoral viability.
  • Initiatives to enhance women's representation, such as those by Political Shakti and other advocacy groups, highlight the importance of gender inclusivity in politics beyond mere statistical representation.

Important Points:

• India ranks 131st in the Global Gender Gap Index 2025 (out of 148).
• Representation in Parliament and ministerial positions for women has declined.
• 33% reservation for women in legislatures will be implemented in 2029.
• Historical underrepresentation of women despite increasing voter turnout.
• Concerns about sustainability of women’s empowerment in political space.
• Persistent challenges in ensuring women candidates are fielded in winnable seats.