President Droupadi Murmu's recent observations on the persistent low representation of women, despite the 33% quota, have truly resonated with me Despite 33% quota, women's representation still low: President Murmu | India News - The Times of India. Her words, highlighted across various news outlets, including The Hindustan Gazette President Murmu concerned over low women's representation despite 33% quota and The Times of India's social media Despite 33% quota, women's representation still low: President Murmu, underscore a profound challenge: well-intentioned policies don't always translate into real-world change without addressing deeper systemic issues.
For years, I've pondered the efficacy of policies that aim for broad societal shifts. My earlier writings, such as the critique of the government's '4 S' plan for India @100, emphasized the need for "sharply defined and concrete/actionable steps" over vague jargon Govt releases " 4 S " plan for India @100. This holds true for women's representation. A quota is a critical first step, but without clear, implementable strategies to dismantle the underlying barriers, its full potential remains untapped. It's not enough to simply reserve seats; we must cultivate an environment where women can thrive and rise organically.
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
I believe the challenge lies in the complex interplay of social attitudes and deeply ingrained practices. In a previous blog, "Project Resurrection" Communication For Productivity, I discussed how unproductive practices and attitudes could hinder overall productivity. Similarly, societal attitudes and practices, often subtle, can impede women's advancement despite official mandates. We need to identify and address these 'unproductive practices' in our social and corporate structures, much like we identified unproductive labour practices in factories.
Moreover, in my discussions on cyber challenges with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (Ashwini Vaishnaw's LinkedIn, appt.mr@gov.in) New Legal Structure ?, I advocated for a "totally new legal structure, which is dynamic" rather than relying on "incremental changes." The current situation with women's representation echoes this sentiment. Mere incremental adjustments to existing systems will not suffice. We need a fundamental, structural overhaul of how we perceive, empower, and integrate women into all spheres of public life.
My thoughts on "Optimised Learning" Optimised Learning and "Child Learning Skills" Child Learning Skills also provide an interesting parallel. I noted that effective learning requires repetition, expert guidance, and a focus on skill acquisition over rote memorization. Perhaps our societal 'learning' about gender equality needs a similar 'optimized' approach, with deliberate, guided efforts to foster true inclusion, rather than simply 'memorizing' a quota. The 'cost of optimized learning,' as highlighted in the referenced article AI and the cost of optimised learning, is not just financial, but societal, demanding sustained investment in cultural and cognitive transformation.
Achieving true representation for women means going beyond the numbers. It requires comprehensive strategies that actively challenge biases, provide equitable opportunities for skill development and mentorship, ensure safety and support, and fundamentally shift societal mindsets. It's about laying a 'digital path to a developed India' The digital path to a developed India where inclusion is not just an aspiration but a lived reality, democratized and accessible to all.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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