It is a shame to India! As per the report of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organisation, India ranks 111 th position out of 189 countries with regard to the women representatives in Parliament.There are only 60 women members out of 544 in Lok Sabha and and only 26 out of 241 in Rajya Sabha. It comes to a meagre 11.4% only.

Even many African countries and Asian countries except Sri Lanka are having more women representation. Nepal has got 30%, Bangladesh 20% and China 25%. Pakistan has 21% in upper House and 17% in lower house. 

The list is led by Rwanda (Africa – 63.8%), Andorra (Europe) and Cuba (Latin America) , the last of which is a socialist country.

Political parties in India have to think about this shame on India. This is the time when the candidates are selected for election to Parliament. Though the Women’s Reservation Bill (Constitution 108 Amendment Bill), which stipulates 33% reservation for women in Parliament is yet to be passed, the political parties on their own can decide at least to put 25% of women for the Parliament. Will they do it? It is doubtful seeing their  track record.