Narrow reforms?

DELIBERATIONS on electoral reforms, after a phase of stagnation, are moving forward at a blistering pace. The rather complicated proposals will be deliberated before they are returned to Cabinet next week and will likely speed their way to Parliament after obtaining a nod from the Supreme Court. 

However, the proposals arguably have not gone far enough in addressing the issue of women’s representation in Parliament. According to the new proposals for women’s representation outlined by Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, the latest set highlight the need for political parties to increase nominations for women by one-third at district level and 5% to 10% seat level but do not provide mandatory legal stipulations.

There is also no quota system as proposed by activists, which strongly hinders changing the status quo in the short term. Therefore, it is possible to rate the 20th Amendment as being more progressive towards minority representation rather than 52% of the women in Sri Lanka. 

The current set of women’s representation issues lie directly with the lack of political will by parties to identify and promote women within their ranks, even though many have women at crucial administrative positions. The current set of proposals debated under the 20th Amendment, by not making parties legally responsible for giving more nominations or allocating a quota, have fed the original problem rather than providing a solution. Since the latest proposals consider reducing the National List, even a quota within it, as proposed by Deputy Foreign Minister Ajith Perera, would mean fewer women are guaranteed a chance in the revamped 255-seat House. 

Currently only 13 members of the 225-seat Parliament are women. This means a representation of only 4.8% for a population of 52%. It is shocking that politicians who routinely and vociferously fight for minority rights do not see how the majority is being treated unfairly, largely worsened by entrenched patriarchal and sexist attitudes. 

Most parties have large women’s wings but these function only to promote male candidates. Women who are genuinely interested in pursuing politics do not have their ambitions promoted through these organisations. Ironically, women have to vote overwhelmingly for candidates or parties to gain a clear majority but are rarely given the chance to represent themselves.

Of course, social attitudes, limited resources and entrenched political systems all play a role. However, in a country that has high numbers of intelligent, qualified and ambitious professionals, continued distance from the political sphere is a recipe for disaster. With few women in Parliament, it is almost impossible to make their voices heard when legislation is passed, but results are overwhelmingly felt by women.

Many activists have proposed that Sri Lanka adopt a quota system for women in the 20th Amendment. Over 100 countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan have such a provision.  

Deserving women should have a chance to represent themselves in Parliament. This should not be seen as an ‘us against them’ battle but rather an effort to improve good governance through inclusiveness. Politicians insist a new political culture has dawned; it is now time to prove it – but as the days slip by, it seems women’s representation is in danger of yet again missing the bus.