The exclusive attention being given to the Women's Reservation Bill in recent times reflects the political ambitions of the older woman. Even the progressive young woman is notoriously disinterested in politics, not just formal parliamentary politics but politics per se - of the family, the profession or civil and human rights issues as such. The disenfranchisement at home is subtle but powerful and is duplicated later in the public domain. But facts point the other way. Fertility decline, a measure of development the world over, takes on a more sinister significance in India by targeting the female sex alone.
Women can look after themselves politically.
Their success rate in open politics has so far been higher than that of men, even those from recognised political parties, as pointed out by the Forum for Democratic Reforms. The present stalemate over the Women's Bill may or may not end in victory but whatever the outcome, it provides only a consolation prize, ensuring women don't rock the boat too much. We can boycott the Bill or accept it as a route to personal success but let us not fool ourselves that it will broaden the political base for women. Until and unless we reserve seats for the second daughter in the womb and the entrance exam, reservation in Parliament will be a short-lived victory. Like the mother who rejects her unborn daughter while asking for reservation in Parliament for herself, a democracy favouring adult women in the face of their dwindling demography at birth is a contradiction in terms.