Introduction
Governance means the way decisions are made and how power and responsibility are used in society. When we talk about Engendering Governance, it means including gender concerns and ensuring that women and men have equal participation in decision-making. Engendering governance is about making governance more fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all genders. In this blog post, we will explain what engendering governance means, why it is important, and what steps have been taken to promote it.
What is Engendering Governance?
Engendering governance refers to the process of including gender perspectives in policies, laws, institutions, and decision-making systems. It means recognizing that women and men have different needs, interests, and challenges, and these must be considered in governance.
Key Features:
- Ensuring women’s equal participation in political and administrative roles.
- Making laws and policies gender-sensitive.
- Eliminating gender-based discrimination from governance systems.
Simple Example:
Creating separate toilets for girls in schools, providing maternity leave for women employees, and reserving seats for women in local government bodies are examples of engendering governance.
Need for Engendering Governance
There are several reasons why engendering governance is necessary:
1. Gender Inequality
Women still face discrimination in many areas like education, employment, politics, and property rights. Engendering governance helps reduce this gap.
2. Women’s Low Participation in Decision-Making
Despite forming nearly half the population, women are underrepresented in leadership roles. Engendering governance ensures their voice is heard.
3. Better Policy Outcomes
When both men and women contribute to decision-making, the results are more balanced, inclusive, and effective.
4. Social Justice
Engendering governance promotes fairness by recognizing and correcting historical injustices faced by women and other marginalized genders.
5. Sustainable Development
Gender equality is a key part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Initiatives for Engendering Governance in India
India has taken several steps at the national and local levels to promote gender equality in governance.
1. Reservation for Women in Panchayati Raj Institutions
The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Indian Constitution provide for one-third reservation for women in village-level and municipal bodies. Some states like Bihar and Rajasthan have increased this to 50%.
2. Gender Budgeting
The Government of India introduced gender budgeting to analyze how government spending affects women and men differently. Ministries are asked to allocate funds for women-specific needs.
3. National and State Commissions for Women
These bodies monitor violations of women’s rights and suggest policy changes to ensure gender justice.
4. Women’s Helplines and Legal Aid
Services like 181 Women Helpline and free legal support help women seek justice and protection.
5. Schemes Promoting Women’s Participation
- Mahila Samakhya Programme – Promotes education and empowerment among rural women.
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – Aims to improve girl child education and survival.
Challenges in Engendering Governance
- Patriarchal mindset and resistance to women’s leadership
- Lack of training and support for elected women representatives
- Poor implementation of gender-focused policies
- Social and economic barriers like poverty, illiteracy, and domestic responsibilities
Conclusion
Engendering governance is not just about adding more women to the system. It’s about changing the way governance works so that it becomes more gender-sensitive and equitable. By including women in decision-making and ensuring that policies address gender issues, we can build a more just and inclusive society. Continued efforts in laws, education, awareness, and institutional reform are needed to truly engender governance in India and around the world.