Challenges in Women’s Participation in Bihar Date – Ajay Nayak CEO, Bihar 1

Comparative figures of Male-Female Voters' turnout in Bihar in Assembly Elections (1951 to 2010) 2

During the first general elections - the voters’ turnout was 40 % in both the Parliamentary as well as the Assembly elections. Steady rise and highest during 2000 Assembly elections (62+%). The polling percentage started dipping after 2000 and it came down in the subsequent Assembly Elections Feb.-March (46.49%) and Assembly Elections Oct.-Nov. (45.91%). The gender gap in voters’ turnout was around 20% till Reasons for this gender gap in voters’ turnout : Insecurity Lawlessness Booth capturing Violence 3

The gender gap in voters’ turnout reduced for the first time in 2005 Assembly elections due to deployment of large contingent of CPF in the State leading to completely peaceful election in the State. The turnout of female voters was 54.85% as compared to 50.70% for male voters in 2010 Assembly Election. The turnaround in the gender gap was visualized in 2010 Assembly Election, when female VTR was more than men VTR for the first time in elections. The reason for this turnaround was : Improved law and order situation Violence free elections due to various measures taken by the ECI Empowerment of women like 50% reservation to women in Local Bodies & other measures 4

A.Challenges in Registration Roll gender ratio not in consonance with the Census gender ratio. The Census gender ratio is 916, whereas the roll gender ratio is 848. It shows that there is a big gap in the registration of women in the electoral roll. The main reason for the gap in registration of women is non- registration of women before their marriage. Enrolment of women is not given priority due to her low status in the society. 5

B. Challenges in Voters’ Turnout Insecurity : The State was famous for booth capturing and violence during elections. Introduction of EVMs, EPICs, deployment of CPF, Vulnerability Mapping, Photography/Videography on Polling Stations, deployment of Micro Observers etc. have made the environment largely peaceful for conduct of elections. From 2004 EVMs were introduced throughout the country was watershed for elections in Bihar, which was conducted without any major violence. These measures resulted into enhanced participation of electors particularly women in the elections. 6

Cultural Inhibition Women do not come out of their homes without the permission of Karta – head of the family. In general, women still want a male member to go outside or to the Polling Station. Male migration for seasonal employment in other places - in their absence, women do not go out to vote.  Double whammy !! 7

Lack of Education & Awareness : Lack of awareness among electors, particularly women - a major cause of low voting percentage. The level of awareness among electors - closely associated with level of education, location (urban/rural), social category, gender, etc. of the electors. Bihar (63.8%) is least literate State in the country as per Census The literacy rate among women (53.3%) is far lower than the male counterpart (73.4%). These issues can be addressed through motivational campaigns, educating the electors and voters’ facilitation. 8

Inadequate sense of participation Politics – considered to be men’s fiefdom. Less representation of women in political parties/candidates. Only 8.71% contesting candidates were females in 2010 Assembly Election (apathy of political parties in giving tickets to women candidates). Local Bodies – higher voters’ turnout / higher women’s participation due to 50% reservation of seats for women; proximate democratic process. 9

Male and Female Contesting Candidates of previous Elections in Bihar (1951 to 2010) 10

No. of Male-Female elected MLAs in Bihar Legislative Assembly (1951 to 2010) 11

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