Syllabus: GS – I & V: Indian Society (Role of Women)

Why in the News?

A recent editorial highlights the long yet uneven journey of women’s political participation in Assam, drawing attention to their historical contributions and contemporary underrepresentation across Parliament, State Assembly, and local bodies.

A Glorious Historical Legacy of Women Leaders

Ancient & Medieval Assam

• Princesses Amritprabha and Rajyamati influenced royal administration.
• Queen Sadhani of the Chutiya Kingdom played advisory roles.
• During the Ahom era, women like Chao-Ching, Nangbakla Gabharu, and Mula Gabharu influenced governance.
• Bar-raja Phuleswari became the first woman to directly govern Assam.
• Women such as Jaymati, Ramani Gabharu, Rangili, Padumi symbolised courage and political resistance.

Freedom Movement & Early Modern Era

• Leaders like Chandra Prabha Saikiani, Nalinibala Devi, Hemanta Kumari Devi Bardoloi shaped nationalist politics.
• Heroes like Kanaklata Barua and Bhogeswari Phukanani sacrificed their lives during Quit India Movement.

Contemporary Scenario

Women form 48.82% of Assam’s population (Census 2011), yet political representation remains low.

Parliament

• Only 1 woman MP out of 14 (Lok Sabha 2024).
• No woman among Assam’s 7 Rajya Sabha MPs.
• Only 8 women from Assam have ever been in Rajya Sabha.

State Assembly

• Only 6 women MLAs out of 126 (4.7%).
• Assam’s only female Chief Minister: Syeda Anwara Taimur (1980–81).

Elections Trend

• Women contesting Assembly elections rose from 1 (1952) to 98 (2006), but win rate remains low.
• Lok Sabha women candidates increased to 15–19 in recent polls, but representation is stagnant.

Why Women’s Participation Remains Low

• Low political grooming within parties.
• Economic dependency & domestic responsibilities.
• Lack of confidence, public speaking exposure.
• Safety and mobility constraints.
• Low literacy in parts of the State.
• Patriarchal norms & tokenistic ticket distribution.
• Underrepresentation of Muslim, tribal, and tea garden women.
• Limited space for women in student politics.

Way Forward

• Mandatory party-level ticket quotas for women.
• Political leadership training programmes.
• Implement reservation in Assemblies & Parliament (Women’s Reservation Act).
• Enhance safety, mobility and economic empowerment.
• Encourage women’s role in student politics.
• Awareness via SHGs, NGOs, women’s collectives.
• Mentorship networks and strong party women’s wings.

Conclusion

Assam’s political heritage is enriched by courageous women who shaped history. Yet current representation does not reflect this legacy. To build an inclusive democracy, Assam must ensure greater participation, fair opportunities, and structural reforms so that women from all communities—tribal, Muslim, tea garden, indigenous—can claim their rightful space in politics.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways

• Assam has a rich historic legacy of women leaders.
• Contemporary representation remains low: 4.7% MLAs, 7.1% Lok Sabha MPs.
• Barriers include patriarchy, weak leadership grooming, economic dependence, tokenism.
• Women’s representation is essential for inclusive governance and gender-sensitive policymaking.

Mains Practice Question (One-line)

“Despite a glorious political legacy, women’s representation in modern Assam politics remains extremely low.” Analyse the causes and suggest measures to improve women’s political participation.