BJP’s Vinusha Reddy calls for stronger reforms to empower women in politics

BJP spokesperson Vinusha Reddy highlighted India’s growing role as a global peace voice while stressing the need for reforms to expand women’s participation in politics and governance.

In an email interview with The Statesman, Reddy, who represented India at the 2025 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) helmed by the United States Department of State recently, reflected on her interactions with women leaders across the world at the programme.

Advertisement

At IVLP, she engaged with leaders from around the world, including Enas Abdelfattah from Palestine. She said such exchanges have reshaped international perceptions of India.

“No longer is Bharat seen merely as a developing country seeking aid. Today, India is recognized as a strong and ambitious nation with credibility in economy, defence, and governance,” she said. “At the same time, we are acknowledged as a voice for peace, guided by the principle that this is the era of peace, not war.”

According to her, India’s policy of multi-alignment has enabled it to play the role of a responsible global actor, one that engages with diverse nations, from Palestine to Ukraine, with trust and mutual respect.

India’s long-standing ties with both Israel and Palestine have drawn global attention during the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Reddy emphasized that New Delhi continues to walk the delicate tightrope with a balanced and principled approach.

“India has consistently upheld its commitment to a peaceful two-state solution. We have extended humanitarian aid to Palestine while also collaborating with Israel in areas like defence technology and innovation that serve our national interests. Both nations understand and respect India’s principled position, rooted in dialogue, peace, and cooperation rather than polarization,” she said.

One of the highlights of IVLP for Reddy has been her engagement with women leaders from countries, including Jordan, Japan, and South Africa. These exchanges, she said, offered valuable lessons for India. She pointed to South Africa’s quota-based reforms as particularly impactful.

“Nearly 40% of political positions in South Africa are held by women. Jordan and Pakistan also reserve parliamentary seats to ensure women’s voices are part of decision-making. For India, adopting structured quota mechanisms and building mentorship networks could be transformative,” she said.

While women’s participation in politics remains limited in several parts of the world, Reddy argued that policy interventions, coupled with cultural shifts, could accelerate women’s leadership in India.

Back home in Andhra Pradesh, Reddy said the NDA government has been working to reinvigorate key flagship schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat.

“Under the previous state government, these initiatives did not achieve their full potential. Today, we are ensuring benefits reach the grassroots, empowering women, improving healthcare access, and enhancing financial inclusion across the state,” she explained.

She also stressed the importance of internal reforms within political parties to build truly inclusive leadership pipelines for women.

“The BJP has consistently prioritized women’s participation, both within the organization and in governance,” she said, pointing to the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill as a historic turning point. But she also emphasized that reforms must go deeper.

“At the grassroots, we need stronger mentorship, leadership training, and transparent organizational processes so that women not only enter politics but also rise to leadership roles. This should be a collective commitment across all political parties,” Reddy concluded.

Summing up her experience at IVLP, Reddy said India’s rise as a confident, credible nation is shaping how the world engages with it. From peace building to women’s empowerment and grassroots development, she argued, India’s vision is increasingly being recognized as one that balances ambition with responsibility.

“Whether in global diplomacy or in domestic reforms, the message is clear. India is not just participating in the global order; it is helping to shape it,” she added.