This verse compels women and men to act for the betterment of society. One is encouraged to take an active role in society rather than merely a passive one.
Political involvement is a means to fulfill one's obligations to society.
Involvement in the political system can take many forms, from voting in elections, to holding a position as a legislator or a judge, to being a head of state. Islamic history provides precedents for each of these roles for women. Since the beginning of Islamic history women have had a voice in electing their leader. In essence, bai'ah is the election of a leader, for without the bai'ah the purported leader has no legitimacy and thus cannot act as the head of state. Prophet Muhammad received the bai'ah from the people.