Women-led development in the Rajya Sabha Premium

Under a women-led development approach, women are not just beneficiaries of development, but also set the agenda for development.

The phrase ‘women-led development’, which was recognised as one of the six focal points during India’s presidency of the G20, has always been a cornerstone of the government’s priorities and policies. Under a women-led development approach, women are not just beneficiaries of development, but also set the agenda for development. They are key participants in planning and decision-making.

Explained: On political representation of women

At a time when women are leading governance and development initiatives across the world, India’s legislature, a pivotal organ of its democracy, cannot afford to be left behind. It is in this backdrop that the Vice President of India and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankar, has introduced a slew of progressive measures in the proceedings of the House as well as in the Secretariat. Mr. Dhankar has always held the view that the role of women in Parliament is enormous. He has stated that women are the backbone of Parliament and the country’s economic development.

When the nation witnessed the historic passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), 2023, Mr. Dhankar, in a historic move, reconstituted the panel of vice-chairpersons to include only women. He emphasised that this would “send a powerful message to the world at large and it would symbolise that they held a ‘commanding position’ during this epochal moment of change”.

Mr. Dhankar also began the practice of nominating four women members, who constitute 50% of the panel of vice-chairpersons. As a result, S. Phangnon Konyak became the first woman Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland to preside over the House. Eminent athlete P.T. Usha also created history by becoming the first nominated MP in history to become the Vice Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

Under India’s presidency, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration underscored that investing in the empowerment of all women and girls has a multiplier effect in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. India is already working tirelessly towards goal 5.5 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which calls for “women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.” The Rajya Sabha Secretariat is expected to set the highest standards in this direction.

Also Read: Women Ministers increase their presence in the Houses, but remain stagnant in Union Ministry