National Voters Day - Why casting your vote is really important as a woman

India- the world’s largest democracy. Home to 138 crore diverse people. One might wonder how a country this large- geographically, ethnically and culturally- is managed in true sense. How are the people coexisting? How is the country on its way to become a completely developed country?

Well there is more than one answer to these questions. However, democracy is definitely one of the defining factors that is holding a country like India together. Our country sets an example of coexistence. Of multiculturalism and of diversity. 

After years of being ruled by the British East India Company, India became free on 15th of August 1947 and ever since, the country has only functioned and flourished under one rule of law ie. the Indian Constitution. 

Babasaheb had a vision, and we are still functional on that very vision of being a country that is run by governments that are made- of the people, to the people and by the people.

Like every other country that is governed by democracy, India too has its own set of internal challenges. But until her citizens stand by the constitution and swear by the beliefs and visions of Ambedkar and the many constitution makers- Democracy will always survive. 

And voting is one of the highest rights that the people of India have received through the constitution. It is also one of the most decisive factors of a strong democracy. Every government that comes into power, does so according to the will of the citizens of the country. Therefore it becomes the right of each citizen to vote responsibly and hand over the power to leaders that will only take India towards growth, and not away from it.

On January 26, 1950 the Constitution of India came into effect and starting from the first general election itself, India has granted Universal Adult Franchise to its citizens. This means that each citizen irrespective of gender, race, caste, religion and economic status holds equally, the right to vote in the country.

Unlike other countries where women had to fight for their right to vote, India has held its female citizens in equality when it comes to voting. And voting becomes essentially vital for every woman as the fight for gender equality in all other fields of life still continues. 

On the occasion of National Voters Day, we wish to highlight why casting your vote as a woman is of utmost importance.

The gender gap between male and female voters in the country has seen shifts over the past year. The 2014 Lok Sabha elections saw an impressive female voter turnout of 63.65 % (260 million). The rhetoric of political parties plays a great role in deciding the voter turnout. Women, especially in rural areas still lack the basic amenities like indoor washrooms and sanitary living conditions. Practices like female infanticide, child marriage and Sati also prevail in some very rural areas of India. 

Schemes promised and provided by the government like the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the Swachh Bharat Mission are some key factors that attract female voters. Female candidates in the government also draw voters and create a sense of security and representation for the female citizens of the country. 

Prioritizing their needs is of vital importance for the women of our country. In order to have their demands met, women need to vote for the right candidate- somebody who promises and implements welfare oriented plans for women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tread on this very path and won the faith of many female voters. He has introduced a number of welfare schemes that are transforming the lives of many women. 

Women deserve to be a part of the procedure of making those laws that govern their lives. This is possible only when a strong candidate who is elected by them becomes a part of the process itself. The common discussion around ‘each vote matters’ is indeed a discussion every woman should have because every vote does count. Every single vote decides the equal representation of the citizens of the country. Each individual is equal at the voting booth. Therefore in order to make our voices and demands heard, we need to show up at these voting booths in unprecedented numbers. 

Voting is a chance we cannot miss. Right now is the right time to register yourself to vote if you haven't already!

We are progressing at surprising speed every single day, and women need to have an equal representation and need to be an equal part of this growth journey of India as a country. 

Change lies in our hands and our hands only. Working towards the changes we want to see is the biggest step we can take for our welfare. Participation does make a difference. With every vote, it is possible to bring in a candidate who understands the problems of women and is willing to work on them. Participation supplements representation. Participation is the highest of the civic duties. Participation is ensuring equality and standing up for ourselves.

By not casting our vote, we are not respecting the many women who have fought endlessly for the rights women all over the world enjoy today. Voting might seem like a duty but in true sense, voting is a privilege. A privilege that we as responsible members of society should respect and fulfill. 

"The young women of today, free to study, to speak, to write, to choose their occupation, should remember that every inch of this freedom was bought for them at a great price. It is for them to show their gratitude by helping onward the reforms of their own times, by spreading the light of freedom and of truth still wider. The debt that each generation owes to the past it must pay to the future”

• Abigail Scott Duniway, suffragist (1834-1915)

‘Not being political’ or ‘Not casting your vote’ because you don’t believe in the constant politics around you is another privilege. Because only those who suffer, value awareness. Only those who are affected, take charge of bringing change. 

So take the responsibility and cast that vote. Because each vote does matter and each vote does hold the power to bring about substantial change.