Nari Shakti shaping UP's political landscape

With the impending Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh's substantial female populace is poised to exert considerable influence, setting the stage for intense political maneuvering. Parties across the spectrum are vying to capture the attention of female voters, whose preferences have shown a distinct leaning towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

TREND NOTICEABLE SINCE…

This trend, noticeable since 2014 and reinforced post-2017, has gained momentum due to the "double-engine" government's steadfast focus on women-centric initiatives over the last seven years. The Yogi administration's implementation of schemes catering to various stages of a girl's life, alongside efforts to bolster women's self-reliance and ensure their safety, has resonated strongly with female voters.

SURGE IN WOMEN WORKFORCE

The tangible results of these endeavours are evident. Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable surge in the female labour force participation rate, soaring from 14.2 per cent in 2017-18 to an impressive 32.10 per cent in 202223. This upward trajectory underscores the efficacy of the government's efforts in fostering women's empowerment.

“Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, a slew of initiatives has been rolled out to empower women economically and socially. Programmes such as the Mudra Yojana and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana have emerged as catalysts for female entrepreneurship and community development,” Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh

Pathak told this reporter.

ENHANCING WOMEN SAFETY

Additionally, the government's focus on enhancing women's safety and facilitating their education and marriage has further endeared it to female voters.

Crucially, Uttar Pradesh has set a precedent in delivering justice for crimes against women and children. The establishment of fast-track courts and the expansion of support schemes like the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana underscore the government's commitment to ensuring gender justice and empowerment.

“The impact of these initiatives extends beyond economic empowerment. Over one crore women from rural households have been organised into self-help groups, fostering a sense of community and self-reliance. Moreover, women's participation in electoral processes has surged, with recent elections witnessing a higher turnout among female voters compared to their male counterparts,” Pathak said.

With their increased participation and discerning voting behaviour, female voters are actively shaping poll outcomes. Parties cognizant of this trend are recalibrating their strategies to resonate with this influential demographic changes

DECISIVE FORCE

The evolving political landscape in Uttar Pradesh reflects the growing significance of women as a decisive electoral force. With their increased participation and discerning voting behaviour, female voters are actively shaping election outcomes. Parties cognizant of this trend are recalibrating their strategies to resonate with this influential demographic changes.

As Uttar Pradesh braces for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the empowerment of women stands as a defining feature of its political narrative. With their newfound agency and engagement, women are not just participants but architects of the state's democratic journey, signalling a paradigm shift in Indian politics.