Numbers and Their Stories:
Numbers reveal stories of progress, pain, and power, but often they erase marginalized groups. As India prepares for the next Census, the critical question is whether women will be counted in a way reflecting their diversity and realities, or remain statistically invisible and politically excluded.
The Women's Reservation Bill
The passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act in September 2023, was significant. However, its implementation is delayed, contingent on the delimitation exercise tied to the Census. This Census will determine not only who is counted but also who gets political representation for decades.
The Census as an Opportunity for Inclusive Democracy
The upcoming Census isn't merely a statistical task; it's an opportunity to build a more inclusive democracy. It must be designed and executed in a gender-responsive manner.
- Women in politics face structural hurdles like sexism, lack of finance, media neglect, and violence.
- Marginalized women (Dalit, Adivasi, Muslim, queer, disabled) face compounded discrimination.
- Reservoiring seats alone won't eliminate exclusion without addressing these systemic barriers.
The Need for a Gender-Responsive Census
- The Census should collect sex-disaggregated data, recognizing women's diversity.
- Questionnaires should reflect women's complex realities, with data cross-tabulated by literacy, employment, land ownership, abilities, religion, and caste.
- Partner with gender and caste experts, considering regional caste variations.
- Public data portals should enable civil society to analyze gender data.
- Enumerators must be trained in gender sensitivity.
The 2011 Census and Future Improvements
The 2011 Census' inclusion of an "other" gender category was a milestone, but poorly executed, leading to underreporting of trans and non-binary persons. The next Census must rectify these issues.
Arguments Against a Gender-Responsive Census
- Some argue it's resource-intensive, but without it, laws remain status quo.
- A gender-responsive Census is crucial for equitable women's representation, preventing elite dominance.
Post-Census Actions
- Monitor if reserved seats reflect India's female diversity.
- Ensure political parties use evidence-based selection processes for reserved seats.
- Foster a pipeline from panchayat to Parliament to prevent elite co-optation.
Critical Questions
- How to ensure women from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) aren't overlooked in seat allocations?
- How to hold parties accountable for fielding women candidates from SC and ST communities in all constituencies?
The Importance of Gender-Disaggregated Data
Such data makes visible those routinely ignored, raising awareness and political pressure. A non-gender-responsive Census is incomplete and unjust, distorting political representation.
The Author's Perspective
Every individual counts in a democracy. Women, as half the population and potential, must be accurately counted. The author, founder of Femme First Foundation, emphasizes the need for recognizing women's roles in shaping the nation's future.