Politics has been a male-dominated field for a long time. It is only after relentless struggles by activists and several movements across Europe and America for women suffrage, it allowed the females to be actively involved in the politics as a responsible citizen as well as legislators. India was one of the first countries to give suffrage to women as soon as the country got independence even at a time when women were still struggling to find a foothold to enter politics in several Western countries.
India is the largest democracy and was one of the few countries that had a woman as the Head of the state. Indira Gandhi was the first woman to become the Prime Minister of India in 1966. In the recent years, there has been an increase in the number of female politicians entering the field and some of them have done a remarkable job as legislators, but the numbers are far less in proportion to the female population of the country. To address this issue, Women’s Reservation Bill has been proposed in the parliament, that talks about 33% reservation in all legislative assemblies including Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. However, due to differences of opinion and political quarrels, the bill has lapsed in the Parliament.
Female politicians have contributed towards nation building and leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Jayalalitha, Mamata Banerjee, Sushma Swaraj have given a hope to the female population of the country that all is not wrong within the system. Several states in India have women MLAs contributing towards the development of their constituencies and the state. K. S. Nagarathanamma was the first female candidate to become an MLA in Karnataka after defeating K. B. Jayadevappa in the 1967 State Assembly Elections. Since then, the state has had several, if not many, women MLAs that have represented the constituencies and worked towards the development of their region.
Given below is a list of present women MLAs in Karnataka-
Smt. Jolle Shashikala Annasaheb- Shashikala is a social worker representing the Nippani constituency. She is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Smt. Umashree- Umashree is a renowned Kannada actress known for her comic roles. She is the incumbent Minister for women and child development, and empowerment of the differently abled and senior citizens. She belongs to the Indian National Congress Party and represents the Terdal constituency.
Smt. Sharada Mohan Shetty- Shetty is a member of the Indian National Congress and represents Kumta constituency.
Smt. Sharada Pooryanaik- Pooryanaik is a legislator belonging to the JD(S). She represents Shimoga Rural constituency.
Smt. Y. Ramakka- Smt. Y. Ramakka is an MLA representing Kolar Gold Field constituency. She belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Smt. Shakuntahala T. Shetty- Shetty is an MLA from Puttur Assembly constituency and belongs to the INC.
Smt. M.C. Mohankumari Uruf Geetha- M.C. Mohankumari Uruf Geetha is an MLA from Gundlupet constituency and belongs to the INC.
Smt. Vinisha Nero- Vinisha Nero is a nominated MLA, chosen by the Governor of Karnataka, belongs to the Anglo-Indian community.
| S.No | MLA Name | Constituency Name (No.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smt. Jolle Shashikala Annasaheb | Nippani (1) |
| 2 | Smt. Umashree | Terdal (20) |
| 3 | Smt. Sharada Mohan Shetty | Kumta (78) |
| 4 | Smt. Sharada Pooryanaik | Shivamogga Rural(SC) (111) |
| 5 | Smt. Y. Ramakka | Kolar Gold Field(SC) (146) |
| 6 | Smt. Shakuntahala T. Shetty | Puttur (206) |
| 7 | Smt. M.C. Mohankumari Uruf Geetha | Gundlupet (224) |
| 8 | Smt. Vinisha Nero | Nominated |
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