Women are a critical group in the national development process, as improvement of condition of women is key to sustainable development. The approach of the Eighth Plan made a shift from 'development' to 'empowerment' of women. It recommended 30 per cent reservation for women at all levels of government. A fierce debate on 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures is going on in Parliament. Empowerment is a socio-political concept and it goes beyond political participation.
Political behaviour is outside one's specified job requirements.
Politics is always concerned with power. To influence and lead effectively, the leader must develop and use power. Women, must be given the capacity to influence the decision-making process in our political system. Reserving seats for women in political institutions will provide them an opportunity for political participation and involve them in political, economic and social life of a nation. Empowerment of women can be made possible through reservations but it also requires the removal of causes of disempowerment which can be social, political or psychological.