India - Women in Leadership

According to the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index (2009), India ranks 24th out of 135 countries in regards to women's political participation. In the world's largest democracy, women still hold a mere 10% of seats in India's Parliament.

Yet at the same time, the struggle to enact the Women’s Reservation Bill, which would allot 33% of seats in state legislatures and parliament for women, continues. As of today, the passage of this bill is close to becoming a reality. Although women politicians will continue to face different barriers and certain disadvantages before and after taking political office, it is imperative that they are able to receive sufficient training and knowledge with which to prepare them for greater political involvement. Women who aspire towards becoming effective politicians in India must acquire specialised knowledge and experience in order to win elections and pursue inclusive policies at the local, state and national levels. The India-Women in Leadership (i-WIL) programme provides women with the knowledge, skills and tools essential for becoming a leader in India’s shifting political landscape.