Justice BV Nagarathna, a distinguished judge of the Supreme Court of India, has strongly advocated for increased representation of women in legal and governmental institutions. Speaking at a seminar titled “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Who Made It,” she emphasized the need for at least 30% representation of women among government law officers and in the empanelment of legal advisors across public sector units (PSUs), state agencies, and instrumentalities.
The Call for Gender Parity in Legal and Governmental Roles
Justice Nagarathna underscored that gender diversity is crucial not only in the legal profession but also in the judiciary. She called for a more inclusive approach to elevating competent women advocates to the High Courts, arguing that if male advocates below the age of 45 can be appointed, then equally capable women should not face barriers.
Highlighting the systemic gender disparities, she stressed the importance of ensuring women’s participation in the workforce beyond legal education. Despite an increasing number of women graduating from top law schools, their representation diminishes at higher levels due to ingrained systemic discrimination.
Key Measures for Breaking Gender Barriers
Justice Nagarathna outlined several crucial steps to dismantle gender biases in professional spaces:
1. Education as a Foundation for Empowerment
Education plays a pivotal role in empowering women to dream big and achieve their aspirations. She urged that every girl, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, must have access to quality education.
2. The Importance of Mentorship
Women benefit significantly from mentorship opportunities that provide guidance, encouragement, and professional networking. Justice Nagarathna advocated for fostering a culture of support through mentorship programs, helping women navigate workplace challenges.
3. Challenging Deep-Rooted Stereotypes
Systemic biases and stereotypes continue to hinder women’s progress. She emphasized that inclusivity does not come at the cost of meritocracy but instead challenges the discriminatory norms that limit women’s opportunities. She cited the Companies Act, 2013, which mandated greater female representation on corporate boards, leading to an increase in women directors from 5% in 2014 to nearly 10% in 2015.
Gender Representation in Politics and Judiciary
Supreme-Court-of-India
Addressing the slow implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies, Justice Nagarathna pointed out that despite a 33% reservation law being passed, its execution has been deferred. As of 2024, women occupied only 14% of Lok Sabha seats, 15% in Rajya Sabha, and less than 7% of ministerial positions. However, at the Panchayat level, women’s reservation has resulted in 1.4 million elected women representatives, proving the impact of affirmative action.
Promoting Gender Diversity in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court judge stressed the importance of gender sensitivity within the judiciary, asserting that diverse life experiences among judges lead to balanced adjudication. She noted that the judiciary must actively work towards eliminating biases when handling cases concerning women.
Celebrating Women Trailblazers
Justice Nagarathna acknowledged the contributions of pioneering women in law, including:
• Cornelia Sorabji – India’s first woman lawyer
• Justice Anna Chandy – India’s first woman judge
• Justice M. Fathima Beevi – The first woman judge of the Supreme Court
• Justice Ruma Pal and Justice Sujata Manohar – Trailblazers in the legal fraternity
She also paid tribute to India’s women constitution-makers, such as Durgabai Deshmukh, Amrit Kaur, and Sucheta Kripalani.
Recognizing Unsung Women
Beyond high-profile achievements, she highlighted the contributions of ASHA workers and other unsung women heroes whose efforts, though often overlooked, play a crucial role in society. She noted that women’s leadership within households should also be recognized as an integral aspect of social progress.
Conclusion
Justice BV Nagarathna’s address at the seminar, organized by the University of Mumbai and the Indian Council of Social Science Research to commemorate Cornelia Sorabji’s centenary, underscored the urgent need for policy changes, mentorship, and systemic reforms to ensure greater gender inclusivity in law and governance. Her call to action serves as a powerful reminder that true gender equality can only be achieved through education, representation, and breaking systemic barriers in professional and political spheres.
Read Also:
