Join us at AWARE on 29 January 2014 to discuss the low representation and participation of women in Indian politics.

Despite the presence of several prominent female politicians, the participation and presence of women in the Indian political system is insignificant. Women’s bid to challenge political monopolies and enter formal political institutions in India have generated much discussion, interest and opposition. Come discuss and understand these debates at our roundtable.

Event Details:
Date: 29 January 2014, Wednesday
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: AWARE Centre, Block 5 Dover Crescent #01-22 S’pore (130005)
Click here to register!

Speaker: Zoya Hassan, professor of political science and the Dean of School of Social Sciences(SSS) at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and a former member of the National Commission for Minorities.

Abstract:

More than six decades after Independence, women have fewer than 10 percent of the seats in parliament. Until the reservation of 33 percent seats for women in local government bodies came into being in 1992, gender bias pervaded all levels of governance in India.

The demand to reserve one-third seats in local and national legislatures marks a turning point in the debate over gender equality. Women’s bid to challenge political monopolies and enter formal political institutions has generated much discussion, interest and opposition.

This roundtable will examine the debate around quotas for women and discuss whether these debates help us understand the political processes and the deeper structural and power dynamics that affect the making of policies and laws in India.

You can register for the event here.