Evaluating the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023: A Critical Analysis of Women's Reservation in Indian Politics

Abstract

This article critically examines the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023, a landmark legislation reserving 33% of seats in Indian legislative bodies for women. While the Act aims to promote women's empowerment and gender equality, its limitations and vulnerabilities must be acknowledged. The article argues that the Act's focus on numerical representation rather than transformative change may limit its potential to challenge patriarchal structures and promote substantive gender equality. Feminist scholars have raised concerns about tokenism, proxy candidates, and the lack of substantive representation. The article highlights the need for deeper structural changes to address the underlying social, economic, and cultural barriers that prevent women from participating in politics. The implementation of the Act will be crucial in determining its effectiveness in promoting women's empowerment and gender equality.