Women constitute an important component in any democracy. They comprise half of the population, and are enfranchised members of the political realm. But their impact on politics was overlooked in the past. Elections were the only time when women as voters were taken seriously and spotlight was turned on them in final phase of campaigning. However, the strength of women voters is well realised today. An increase in number of women voters, and their eager participation in voting, has made political parties pay special attention to organise them and campaign among them, though these parties are still hesitant to select them for contesting elections.
Till recently, there were no serious efforts to study women voters as a bloc possessing capacities to influence politics. They were looked at as an apathetic group and a large number of reasons were attributed for lack of participation by women voters. The reasons included were illiteracy, pre-occupation with household responsibilities, looking after children etc. The social conventions and taboos also affect women’s participation. The restrictions on women’s movement and strong hold of public/private divide of work looming large, often left women to the periphery of political processes. However increasing awareness among women voters about their rights has begun to influence the political scene.
In fact, the parties and politicians today cannot afford to oppose any move against women or against their empowerment, and annoy women voters. There are large scale efforts to woo women voters. Various schemes are declared for women like giving incentives to pregnant women, release of cooking gas connections, financial assistance for marriage, building houses to provide dwelling for widows etc. No doubt this is a piecemeal approach, a strategy to win over women voters, yet it reflects the increasing importance of women voters.
Certain trends are observed with regard to women’s voting behaviour in India. Thought women have shown a gradual increase in exercise of their franchise, there exist a gender gap in voting, and it varies from state to state. Studies conducted on voting behaviour of women have led to establishment of certain voting pattern of women in India. Such a pattern, though not consistent and uniform, brings out certain characteristics of women voters like women are not enthusiastic about their right to vote, they are not independent voters, they make their choice on the basis of suggestions from male members of the family, they lack information and political awareness, they are not politically conscious and lack political efficacy, and the household burden leaves little or no time for women to involve themselves in political activities. Studies in certain states have also reflected that women do not vote out of fear of anti-social elements and anticipated violence, and at some places the men from their family do not encourage them to vote.
For the Goa State Assembly elections 2017 held on February 4, there were five lakh thirty four thousand women voters registered. They will play a crucial role in deciding the destiny of Goa. The gender difference in voting is very narrow in Goa. Also the Electoral Sex Ratio for Goa is much favorable compared to the neighboring states of Maharastra or Karnataka. A study was conducted to understand voting behaviour of women in Goa. It showed considerable degree of awareness among women with regard to the right to vote. They exercise their vote with lot of independence. The reasons for abstaining from voting as observed in other states are not observed in Goa. There was no instance of abstention from voting because of preoccupation with household chores or out of fear of violence. Women voters are aware of various factors that play important role in politics. They have formed their opinions with regard to various issues which affect them. They strongly supported continuation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Goa and reservation for women in Panchayats and felt that there should be reservation in Parliament and Assembly. Further, when asked to identify major problems they face, problems like rising prices, lack of basic facilities, unemployment, increasing crime rates etc. were given priority. These issues play important role in influencing the voting choice of women.
However, women in Goa have not been very active in other political processes, besides voting. The high literacy rate and existence of UCC has enabled them to make a place for themselves. Goa has also witnessed women participating in large numbers when there are important issues at stake i.e. Opinion Poll, Medium of Instruction issue, scrapping of Regional Plan 2011 etc. So, why are so less women in campaigning and still lesser contesting? The political parties have failed to mobilise women. Also the most important reason for low participation is lack of individual incentive. A voter has no time or money to attend meetings or rallies, unless it is going to benefit the voter. As some of the respondents asked, what is the point in listening to the same promises every five years? ‘These people (politicians) come to us only during elections, once elections are over they forget their promises, only to recollect them when the next election approaches. We don’t have time to waste on them.’
But, political efficacy is increasing in women voters in Goa. One can witness these days (election season) women campaigning for candidates and attending meetings and rallies. In the local dailies as well as on TV channels, when the candidates are addressing the rallies one can see large number of women attending it, sometimes even occupying the front seats. What a sea change! Or is it? There can be two reasons, it could be due to some immediate gains or that women are really interested. And if the second reason is right, then well, Goa is ushering into a new era. If not in this elections, probably next elections more women will contest, win and establish their mark in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
(Dr. Seema P. Salgaonkar, Associate Professor in Political Science, Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Khandola, Marcela)
