Political Participation and Women Politics in Odisha

Indian democracy is more than 50 years old now yet the ideals of democracy are far from destination especially for women in India. It is a global experience that women play a marginal role in politics. Their political participation is almost invisible; however, the importance of women's political participation for a viable democratic polity is being increasingly realized in all corners of the world. Women constitute nearly 50 percent of the total population in any country and if it has adopted a democratic system it cannot run successfully with just half of the population. It will be a crippled democracy. So, to think of a democratic government, without their participation is unthinkable and to empower them socially, economically and politically will require their decision-making capabilities.Moreover, women as a group have problems, demands and aspirations which cannot be aptly expressed by men.The Women's Reservation Bill in legislatures seems to have shown some light at the end of the dark tunnel that they have iibeen pushed into since time immemorial. Merely lamenting upon the state would not lead us anywhere.