Parliament of a democracy needs to be representative- not necessarily majoritarian elected. Women rights is a completely separate issue. It is women’s representation. Core assumption in today’s model is that u were not elected. But, the model of elections are presumptive. There are many models of democracy across the world. Proportional democracy models have more than one person from a constituency.
Second, women rights is an issue because these rights are (treated or otherwise) distinct in context of India & others. So, assuming that rights can be distinct but representation is unnecessary does not make any sense.
U grew up in India, right? Do u understand the tribals? Their way of life? That is why we have parliamentary structures such as PESA, ST areas, etc. Now consider a lady in your home. It is very likely that u would have witnessed that they reserve some opinions to themselves. In many homes, their opinions are not considered. In usual cases, women have differing opinions on many topics as well. Like how should a child be governed, what is acceptable and what is unnecessary. Let’s take the case of liquor. Women in many areas have protested against men drinking. The point above is that perspective is represented in Parliament. Parliament is not bureaucracy that it’s efficiency is a metric.
Parliament is a decision-making body that deliberates. In countries like India, where the common person is quite backward, the political parties are not progressive, it falls to the central leadership to pull people towards forming opinions for future. Take the Hindu code Bill. It came at a time when the common would have rejected it. Sometimes, the right policy is not popular. But, policy decisions need not be given importance based on opinion always.
Quotas are not taking anyone’s right. They are fragmenting society in India’s case. I sincerely oppose caste quotas coz they are not natural. Caste is a false identity. But, woman identity is not false. Similarly, argument for a time limit is acceptable for ST quota. Coz they are backward now. Their identities will be mainstream in some years maybe.
The premise that women can be misused is a bias. Are male politicians not misused by businesses or rich? Are elected representatives not corrupt? Do current elected male MPs attend parliament more than Women MPs? Think about it.
The Women’s Reservation in Parliament is necessary and it comes too late. There should be zero credit given to any political party for this. Indian political parties are not progressive, and they are not very democratic as well. Their internal party structures are feudal and there is too little merit in them. At least, a representative parliament will increase diversity of opinion and raise our chances to succeed.
Let us know what you think.