Aiming to ensure women’s representative in every agency and department of the state will only make us a secure, strong and vibrant democracy. In this regard, it becomes all the more important to discuss and deliberate upon the issues severely impacting and influencing women’s participation in the decision making bodies.
We had women prime minister, chief ministers ranging from Indira Gandhi, Jayalalitha, Sheila Dikshit, Mamta Banerjee and all. Still, we then limited the equality of occasions and opportunities for our women in the workforce, relegating them to peripheries by shying away from implementing the 33% reservation for women in the Parliament.
I find all the political parties ranging from left, right and centre at fault for non-negotiation, consultations and consensus on the issue of women’s representation bill. I don’t understand what makes them to fall back if these women can become candidates, spokesperson, speaker and leader of their respective parties, then why are they discounted from heading the legislative and executive decision making body structures of their party.
Why is the party totally and thoroughly dependent on a male head for leading the command and charge? I believe Mamta Banerjee can best deliver for TMC, as Mayawati did for BSP and like her counterpart Sheila Dikshit who made a name for herself by becoming the Chief Minister of Delhi conducting the expansion and extension of infrastructural and industrial activities.
Similarly, if a woman is chosen as a sarpanch, then the whole block and district immensely benefit, so instead of doubting their abilities and calibre, it would be best if our government takes up the task to inspire their faith and belief. Our policymakers will have to make a move before it is too late.