Editor
Empowering Women in Politics: Gender Equality in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi, July 25, 2023: In a landmark moment for gender equality and representation, S Phangnon Konyak, the first woman member from Nagaland in the Rajya Sabha, presided over the House today. This achievement comes after she made history by becoming the first-ever woman member to be appointed to the panel of Vice-Chairpersons on July 17, 2023.
The Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, took a significant step towards promoting gender inclusivity by nominating four women members (50% of the total number) to the panel of Vice-Chairpersons last week. All the women members nominated to the panel are first-term Parliamentarians, adding more value to this historic move.
The reconstituted panel for the Monsoon Session comprises a total of eight names, half of which are women. This marks the first time in the history of the Upper House that equal representation has been given to women members in the panel of Vice-Chairpersons.
Among the distinguished women Parliamentarians nominated to the panel are:
1. Smt. P.T. Usha:
A renowned athlete and Padma Shri awardee, Smt. P.T. Usha was nominated to Rajya Sabha in July 2022. She is currently a member of the Committee on Defense, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Committee on Ethics.
2. Smt. S. Phangnon Konyak:
Belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Smt. Phangnon Konyak holds the distinction of being the first woman elected as a Member of Rajya Sabha from Nagaland in April 2022. She is actively involved in various committees, including the Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Committee on Empowerment of Women, House Committee, and Member of the Governing Council of the North-Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong.
3. Dr. Fauzia Khan:
Representing the Nationalist Congress Party, Dr. Fauzia Khan was elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 2020. She currently serves as a member of the Committee on Empowerment of Women, Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Law and Justice.
4. Smt. Sulata Deo:
A member of Biju Janata Dal, Smt. Sulata Deo secured her position in Rajya Sabha in July 2022. She actively participates in the Committee on Industry, Committee on Empowerment of Women, Joint Committee on Office of Profit, Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
This historic step towards equal representation reinforces the commitment of the Rajya Sabha towards empowering women in politics and leadership roles. It showcases how women today are being given due respect and space in the political landscape, thanks to the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The nation celebrates this proud moment and looks forward to a more inclusive and empowered future.