political representation
For Indian women, political power equals personal safety
Reported violence against Indian women is on the rise. That’s not as bad as it sounds.
A recent study by four economists suggests that this increase reflects growing willingness to report violence against women, rather than an increase in the incidence of crime. The reason, they suggest: more women are involved in Indian politics than ever before.
The study cites a 1993 law that requires at least one-third of all seats in local governments to be set aside for women. Since then, political representation for women has increased, and so has the recognition of gender violence. When women are in power, police are more likely to respond to claims of gender violence. Offenders are arrested, and women are safer.
This is about more than safe and civil societies. According to UN Women, “violence against women impoverishes individuals, families and communities, reducing the economic development of each nation.” Safer women, safer futures. A good place to start may be political empowerment.
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