What is the status of women’s representation in India’s legislative bodies?
The representation of women in India’s legislative bodies has been very low. The percentage of elected women members in the Lok Sabha touched 14.36 per cent for the first time in 2019, while their share in state assemblies is less than 5 per cent. India stands among the bottom group of nations globally in this regard, trailing behind averages for developing countries in Africa and Latin America.
Additionally, cabinets remain largely all-male. To address this, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed in 2023, mandating 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. While representation is low in legislatures, it is better in local bodies, where one-third of seats in Panchayati Raj institutions are reserved for women.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the provided context which highlights the low percentage of women in the Lok Sabha (14.36%) and State Assemblies (<5%). It notes India's position in the bottom group of nations and mentions the largely all-male nature of cabinets. The answer also incorporates the recent legislative update regarding the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, and the existing reservation in Panchayati Raj bodies to provide a complete status report as requested by the textbook question.