Report: Women Represent 10.2% of Candidates in 20 Assembly Elections Since Passage of Womens Bill in 2023

In preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, an analysis conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed that among the 8,360 candidates evaluated, only 800, representing 9.6% of the total candidates, are women. The report highlights a concerning trend, as 152 out of the 543 constituencies, approximately 28%, have no women candidates contesting in the upcoming elections.

The findings underscore ongoing issues related to gender representation in Indian politics. Despite legal provisions aimed at increasing women’s participation, the data indicates that significant barriers remain. The low percentage of female candidates suggests that political parties may still not prioritize gender equality within their selections.

Historically, the representation of women in the Indian Parliament has been low, with various advocates pushing for reforms and initiatives to bolster their presence. The current statistics serve as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to create a more inclusive political landscape, where women have equal opportunities to participate in governance and decision-making processes.