One-upwomanship among parties is fab

Get the support of women, and you've won half the world. 2019 general elections, in this context, marked a watershed moment: for the first time, women voters outnumbered men 67.18% to 67.02%. Since then, the tide has only risen. Parties quick to ride this wave have been fetching handsome political dividends. Think West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. On Thursday, AAP joined ranks with convener Arvind Kejriwal promising to double monthly assistance under Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojna from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 after assembly elections. The scheme targets over-18 women who aren't government employees, pensioners, GST filers or taxpayers.

Axis Bank data reveals that 10 states provide direct income transfers to women, amounting to ₹1.8 lakh cr annually - roughly 0.8% of combined GSDP of these states, and 0.6% of India's GDP. These schemes collectively benefit over 110 mn women. Global studies have shown that cash transfers foster economic empowerment of women by enabling them to earn, manage resources and make economic decisions, provided the design ensures control over funds and addresses gender-specific barriers. Complementary measures like education, healthcare and skilling are critical to maximise the impact. A 2023 study by Pratichi Trust on Bengal's Lakshmir Bhandar found that while security, dignity and freedom of choice for women are being addressed to a certain extent through the scheme, larger 'background realities' like child marriage and domestic violence still need special attention.

Yet, putting cash directly into women's hands is smart affirmative action. In that sense, the 'one-upwomanship' among political parties to court women voters is welcome. It nudges society at large in a direction away from patriocracy.