By Tufail Khan
In a historic move, the Lok Sabha recently passed a landmark bill that has the potential to reshape the political landscape of India. After a 27-year-long journey, the Women’s Reservation Bill, aimed at amending the Constitution to provide one-third reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, received resounding support. This development marks a significant step towards promoting gender equality in the realm of Indian politics.
While celebrating this significant milestone, it’s equally important to emphasize the need for further inclusion. The government’s efforts towards empowering Muslim women deserve special mention in this context. August 1 was designated as “Muslim Women Rights Day” to commemorate the historic moment when Muslim women were liberated from the social injustice of triple talaq in 2017. The Modi government played a pivotal role in enacting legislation against this unjust practice, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and the protection of the fundamental rights of Muslim women. It’s worth noting that the government’s dedication to the empowerment of minority communities, especially women, continues unabated. In 2023, Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives earned praise when over 4,000 Muslim women embarked on the Hajj pilgrimage without a male relative or mahram, a practice previously considered permanently unlawful. These women expressed their gratitude to the government for its unwavering support and efforts to empower them. In light of these commendable efforts, it is only fitting to advocate for Muslim Women Reservation under the proposed Women Reservation Bill, ensuring that all segments of our society are given the opportunity to participate actively in the political process. Such a bill would not only underscore the government’s commitment to inclusivity but also further strengthen the foundation of our democracy by ensuring representation for all, irrespective of their background. The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, coupled with these commendable efforts, paints a hopeful picture for the future of women’s representation in politics. This journey toward gender equality must remain a collective endeavour, transcending political lines and forging a path towards a more inclusive and equitable India.
The recent developments in Indian politics signify a resounding commitment towards promoting gender equality and empowering women, including those from minority communities. As we celebrate these milestones, we must also continue advocating for further progress and ensure that the promise of equal representation and empowerment becomes a reality for all women across the nation.
(The author’s Fellow in Journalism and Francophone Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia. His views are personal. It has nothing to do with public records management.)
