Women Voters Push Governance and Development to the Forefront in Bihar’s Elections
Patna, India: In a powerful display of civic engagement, women across Bihar are spearheading grassroots movements demanding political accountability and inclusive governance as the state gears up for its 2025 Assembly Elections. Comprising nearly 47% of the electorate, women voters are poised to play a decisive role, leveraging their collective voice to shift election narratives from caste dynamics to developmental issues.
According to the Election Commission of India, the 2020 Assembly Elections saw a record 59% turnout among women voters, outpacing their male counterparts in several constituencies. This trend is expected to gain further momentum in 2025 as women’s groups mobilize around key issues like education, healthcare, safety, and employment.
Key Issues Driving Women’s Activism
Education for Empowerment
- Bihar’s female literacy rate, at 53.3%, is among the lowest in India. Grassroots organizations like Mahila Shiksha Abhiyan are advocating for better school infrastructure, scholarships, and skill development programs for girls.
Healthcare Accessibility
- Maternal mortality rates in Bihar remain a concern, standing at 149 per 100,000 live births as per National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5). Women’s groups are demanding improved primary healthcare centers and increased funding for maternity and child health programs.
Safety and Social Justice
- Rising concerns over women’s safety have led to campaigns for stricter law enforcement and accountability. Initiatives like Nirbhaya Kendras are being highlighted as examples of effective support mechanisms.
Economic Participation
- Women’s participation in the workforce in Bihar is just 4.8%, far below the national average of 19%. Campaigns are pushing for microfinance opportunities, women-led self-help groups (SHGs), and job creation in rural areas.
Political Response to Women’s Movements
Promises in Manifestos
- Major parties, including the RJD, JD(U), and BJP, have intensified their focus on women-centric policies. Nitish Kumar’s Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana and BJP’s proposals for rural entrepreneurship programs are central to their campaigns.
Women Candidates in Spotlight
- The 2025 elections are expected to witness an increase in female candidates, with parties under pressure to improve gender representation in leadership roles.
The Grassroots Impact
Mahila Panchayats
- Women-led assemblies in rural areas are driving accountability, demanding commitments from candidates on local development issues.
Community Networks
- Organizations like Jeevika SHGs, supported under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), are amplifying women’s voices in election discourse, ensuring their concerns are prioritized.
A Transformative Movement
Bihar’s women are not just voters but changemakers, reshaping the state’s political landscape. By demanding accountability and pushing governance to the forefront, they are challenging entrenched systems and advocating for a future defined by equity and progress.
As their influence grows, the 2025 elections could mark a pivotal shift in Bihar’s development trajectory, with women at the helm of change.
