Very Short Question and Answers - Gender and Politics

Sexual division of labour refers to the way work is divided between men and women based on socially constructed ideas of what is appropriate for each gender, not on individual choice or ability.

Men's work in the public sphere is paid and valued, while women's work in the private sphere (household tasks) is unpaid, undervalued, and often considered a natural duty, reinforcing gender inequality.

Because it is unpaid and not included in economic indicators like the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making their contribution to the economy invisible.

'Double burden' or 'second shift' refers to women having to do both paid professional work and all household responsibilities, leading to longer work hours and more stress.

It restricts women's personal freedom and limits their economic independence.

The central idea is that women are human beings who deserve the same rights, respect, and opportunities as men.

Patriarchy is a social structure in which men hold primary power and authority in society, often leading to the subordination of women.

Political rights (like the right to vote), economic rights (equal pay, right to property), and social/personal rights (education, healthcare, freedom from violence).

No, feminism is not about being anti-men; it’s about challenging an unjust social system (patriarchy) that restricts both men and women with rigid gender roles.

Women’s political representation refers to the presence of women in political decision-making bodies, such as parliaments and local councils.

It ensures that democracy is representative and inclusive, as a government cannot fairly represent its people if half the population is excluded.

Women leaders often prioritize issues like healthcare and education, and act as role models, inspiring other women and girls to participate in public life.

Quotas or reservations to ensure women get a fair chance to be elected.

Women’s representation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies has been consistently low, rarely crossing 15%.

These amendments reserved one-third (33%) of seats in rural and urban local bodies for women, including chairperson positions.

It brought over a million women into political office, empowered women at the grassroots, and made local governance more responsive to community needs.

The Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) seeks to reserve 33% of seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to improve representation.

Its implementation depends on the completion of a future census and the redrawing of constituency boundaries (delimitation).

It has increased women’s participation, brought attention to women's issues, and improved governance in areas like health, sanitation, and education.

Women continue to face underrepresentation in higher legislative bodies and entrenched social norms that discourage their participation in politics.