What the 106th Constitutional Amendment Means for Women

[Parishi Virani]

Have you ever looked at India’s Parliament and wondered—where are all the women? Despite being one of the largest democracies in the world, India has historically struggled with women’s representation in politics. But now, that’s beginning to change.

In 2023, the Indian Parliament passed the historic 106th Constitutional Amendment, guaranteeing one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. It’s not just a political move—it’s a powerful statement. And here’s why it matters.

A Long Road, Finally Paved

The idea of reserving seats for women in Parliament isn’t new. The Women’s Reservation Bill was first introduced in 1996. For over 25 years, it faced repeated setbacks due to political resistance, debates over tokenism, and fears of disturbing power dynamics.
Finally, in 2023, after decades of civil society pressure, public discourse, and changing tides, the bill was passed—becoming the 106th Amendment to the Constitution of India.

Why It Matters So Much

Representation isn’t just about numbers. It’s about voice, influence, and visibility.
This amendment ensures 33% of seats in key legislative bodies are held by women.
It includes sub-quotas for SC/ST women, recognizing intersecting layers of marginalization.

It’s based on the idea that governance should reflect the people it serves—not just half of them.

If implemented sincerely, this reform can shake up India’s male-dominated political culture, putting issues like women's safety, education, health, and economic empowerment at the center of national policy.

The Global Perspective: Lessons We Can Learn

Countries like Rwanda (61% women in Parliament) and France (Parity Law mandating 50% women candidates) show us that gender quotas can work—if backed by political will and cultural change.

But take Pakistan, where 17% of seats are reserved for women, many of whom serve as figureheads. The lesson? Tokenism without power achieves nothing. India must avoid that trap.

Not Just a Law—A Catalyst

The 106th Amendment is supported by a strong institutional ecosystem:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will oversee fair allocation of reserved seats and prevent misuse like proxy representation.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) will advocate for real empowerment—not just symbolic inclusion.

The Judiciary may weigh in on the amendment's interpretation, especially its 15-year sunset clause and possible extension to the Rajya Sabha.

Challenges to Watch Out For

Let’s be real—passing a law is one thing. Implementing it effectively is another. Here are some hurdles we need to address:

Political resistance from parties unwilling to share power.

Tokenism, where women get seats but no decision-making authority.

Dynastic politics, which could crowd out grassroots women leaders.

Delays in delimitation and electoral processes that could slow down implementation.

What More Needs to Be Done?

The amendment is a bold step—but it's just the beginning. Here's what should come next:

Extend reservation to the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Councils.

Mandate political parties to field at least 50% women candidates.

Provide leadership training for first-time women MPs and MLAs.

Enforce legal protections against proxy candidates and forced resignations.

Launch public awareness campaigns to normalize women in politics.

The Bottom Line

The 106th Constitutional Amendment has the power to change the face of Indian democracy. 

But its success depends on what we do next.

Will women get real political power, or just more seats with no say? Will political 
parties truly empower them, or keep control behind the scenes? These are questions we must keep asking.

(Author is a Law Student)