HARYANA'S GENDER PARADOX: WOMEN TRAIL IN POLITICS DESPITE ACHIEVEMENTS IN OTHER ARENAS

The state has sent just seven women to the Lok Sabha in 58 years.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

In a state that has produced trailblazers like astronaut Kalpana Chawla, Olympic medallists Sakshi Malik and Manu Bhaker, and Miss World Manushi Chhillar, the harsh reality of gender bias in Haryana's political sphere is stark. While women have excelled in various fields, their representation in politics remains disproportionately low. The famous dialogue from the movie Dangal, "Maari Choriya Chhoron Se Kam Hai Ke," which champions gender equality, ironically highlights the persistent male dominance in Haryana discreetly, especially in politics.

Haryana, once notorious for its skewed sex ratio and killing of girls on womb, was the launch pad for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign, aimed at promoting gender equality. Yet, in the realm of politics, women continue to be marginalized. The representation of women in Haryana's political landscape remains stuck at around 10%. Interestingly, the state government had already given 50% reservation to women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.