The representation of women in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections has been on a gradual rise, indicating a shift in political participation over the years. In the upcoming April 23 elections, 443 women candidates are contesting, compared to 3,579 male candidates, showing a significant gender gap.
Historical data reveals a steady increase in women’s participation. In 1967, only 11 women contested out of 778 candidates, a number that rose to 413 women out of 3,998 contestants in the 2021 elections. Despite the increase, political parties still selectively field women candidates, leading to better electoral outcomes for women historically.
Women candidates have consistently shown a higher strike rate in Assembly elections between 1984 and 2016 compared to men. They were also less likely to lose their deposits, indicating strategic selection by parties. While the increasing presence of women candidates is a positive sign, achieving gender parity in politics requires broader efforts beyond just increasing their numbers.
