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The emerging picture of Muslim women’s political participation in formal politics in India is overall similar as women in general that there has been a marked increase in their voting turnout and election campaigning but women continue to be under-represented in legislative bodies both at the national and state level, in political party rank and chain of command. Women representation in Indian Parliament is 10.8 per cent only which is below the world average of 20 per cent. India ranks at position 109 out of 190 countries of the list of women representations in Parliament. Afghanistan and Pakistan are above India.

Muslim women’s participation in politics and in exercise of political responsibilities should be encouraged and facilitated by action to promote awareness, comprising civic and political education which helps women to know their rights and to become conscious of their capacity to have a direct hand in political life. The Government, Parliament, Political Parties, Trade-Unions, Non-Government Organisation and the Media can all contribute to this process.