In Focus by The Hindu In Focus-Parley | Are women deciding Assembly elections?
Oct 9, 2025
Ruhi Tiwari, a journalist and author specializing in gender and electoral politics, joins Rajeshwari Deshpande, a Political Science professor with expertise in women's voting behavior. They discuss how welfare measures targeted at women, like cash transfers, are shaping electoral decisions. The conversation highlights the diversity among women voters, influenced by caste and class, and the paradox of celebrating their enfranchisement while facing systemic exclusion. Ultimately, they argue that women are becoming crucial in elections but remain part of a complex political landscape.
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Visibility Can Mask Political Marginalisation
- Targeting women in politics increases their visibility but can also keep them politically marginalised.
- Rajeshwari Deshpande warns schemes can convert women into perennial beneficiaries rather than full political actors.
Well-Timed Welfare Builds Lasting Agency
- Cash transfers and gendered welfare broaden agency when implemented well and early.
- Ruhi Tiwari says schemes like bicycles or toilets created long-term gains beyond immediate cash.
Design Schemes To Incentivize Outcomes
- Design benefit schemes with productive conditions to encourage outcomes like education.
- Ruhi Tiwari recommends conditional elements (e.g., exam pass) to incentivize better long-term results.
