Reservations for Women - Meena Dhanda

This collection of essays and excerpts brings together, for the first time, a range of writings on the issue of affirmative action for increasing the presence of women in Parliament and legislative assemblies in India. A comprehensive coverage of the debate from historical, theoretical, practical and political perspectives locates the discussions in India within the larger global context. The proposals discussed range from the reservation of seats in Parliament through quotas in party lists, to double-member constituencies. Analyses of women's experience as policy-makers in local government following the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Indian Constitution suggest reasons for extending legal measures to ensure the greater participation of women in Parliament. This book is invaluable to all those interested in the cause of women's enhanced representation in formal politics.