Women in Decision-Making

Participation of women in politics and their presence in various decision-making bodies, including in parliaments, is critical for a well-functioning democracy. Inclusion of women is a matter of justice and a key factor in creating more effective governance. Though quite rare, wherever there are more women in policy-making, it has been found to help advance legislation on crucial issues, such as health, education, childcare, infrastructure and ending violence against women. The presence of women in public places, including in elected bodies and academic institutions, inspires girls to pursue higher education and career opportunities. Unfortunately, women are indeed less represented in government committees than men, both globally and in India. This is reflected in various aspects, including the number of women in parliament, cabinet positions, and committee leadership roles. Statistics show that globally, women make up a relatively small percentage of parliamentarians. As of 2025, they represent only around 27.2% of parliamentary seats across the globe. Taking a look at India, one finds that women’s representation in the Lok Sabha is only around 15%; it is much less (about 13%) in the Rajya Sabha. The number of women in the Union government in India is even less; just 2.77%. Out of seventy-two ministers in the government, only seven are women. Globally, however, women hold about 23% of cabinet minister positions. Women are also highly under-represented in leadership positions, whether in the government or in the public sphere. Looking at any committee constituted by the government, one will find very few women. Public committees and public organisations are also equally bad at letting women occupy important positions. In Assam, for instance, no woman has ever headed a political party or a student body. No socio-cultural or literary body has enough women in their committees, not to speak of heading them. The century-old Axam Xahitya Xabha, for instance, had only two women as its president. The All Assam Students’ Union, or for that matter any student body in the region, never had one. No university in the Northeast ever had a woman as vice chancellor.