Claiming as Equals: Journey of Women Leaders

Abstract

Across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on women bearing a disproportionate burden of care, work, job loss, and violence. However, on a positive note, there is a recognition of their immense contribution as frontline warriors and exemplary women leaders, heads of governments, and cabinet ministers. As the world recovers from COVID, it is time to keep up the momentum of promoting women’s leadership as underlined under SDG Goal 5.5 to ensure women’s full and equal participation in decision-making. Typically, the most prominent indicator is a representation of women in legislature, but it is equally important to track women’s voice and representation in local governments. The SDGs have added the indicator on “proportion of seats held by women in local governments” (5.5.1b). Efficient and participatory local governance is key to the success of policy prioritization and implementation. And, a gender balance in decision-making is absolutely essential, not just for equity, but there is robust evidence to prove this to be more impactful. The authors examine the effect of a leadership program for women in local government in India where gender quotas were instituted in 1992. Evaluation and implementation experience highlight how political representation while giving women the visibility, also renders them vulnerable to ‘invisibility’ as they make way for their male relatives to govern on their behalf. But with successive elections in states like Bihar, where gender quotas are at 50%, the canvas is changing. Women who participated in this program were able to address some of the patriarchal and institutional barriers and take action as change agents improving basic services in their communities. Their journey toward building their confidence, agency, and self-worth is discussed. This triggered their engagement in governance even during the COVID lockdown and thereafter. The evaluations indicate that training, education, and mentorship need to be policy priorities in order to make this path-breaking measure/affirmative action a reality.