In India, Parliament recently adopted a law establishing a 33% quota for women in the lower house and regional assemblies by a unanimous vote. A historic constitutional reform, the result of a legislative struggle that began more than twenty years ago and will take effect as soon as the census is taken. This is encouraging for women, who are marginalized in politics in this patriarchal country.
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From our correspondent in India, Sébastien Farcis
India is one of the most unequal democracies for women in politics: they represent only 15% of total MPs in the federal lower house, and 9% in regional assemblies.
A reflection of India’s patriarchal mentality, as exemplified by Shaguna Kanwar, a young politician from Uttar Pradesh in northern India. “ During the last campaign, I was the only woman among more than 300 men. They say women can’t keep up with the intense pace and late nights when men drink alcohol. Therefore, women are prohibited from giving flowers to leaders or serving tea. “, he complained.
Thanks to this constitutional reform, the number of female parliamentarians should be increased to a minimum of 33%, and this is encouraging for the thirty-year-old: “ They will be forced to look for good candidates now, and for educated and experienced women like me, this creates new opportunities “.
However, this quota will only take effect after the results of the next census and election division, which is in ten or fifteen years. The delay appeared unnecessary and was condemned by the opposition.
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