The Empowerment Of Women Is Set To Strengthen Our Democracy

The participation of women in electoral exercises has risen impressively and could outstrip that of men within this decade

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Women represent half the world's population and are still largely excluded from political decision-making. In India's Lok Sabha elections, the number of women contestants seats increased from 3% of all parliamentary candidates in 1957 to 6% in 2009 and further to 9% in 2019, the last such polls held. The representation of women in the Lok Sabha, meanwhile, has increased from 4.5% in 1957 to 10.9% in 2009 and further to 14.4% in 2019. The numbers make it clear that political representation in the country is dominated by men. It will take a lot more effort to increase the participation of women, which is a very important aspect of women's empowerment in general.