- There is no denying the fact that women have come a long way in the overall scheme of things considering they were struggling to gain a firm foothold, if not equal, in every conceivable sector dotting the country. Whereas the women have indeed progressed admirably in several other areas owing to sustained efforts at ushering in gender parity and equality, one area that still is considered male dominion restricting the presence of women to a bare minimum in the field of politics. Despite entering the 75th year since gaining independence, the struggles of women to earn their rightful space in politics haven’t changed much through feeble efforts attempted by the political parties to walk the talk.
PC: Sakti Golder
- However, what has certainly changed is the shift in the political pursuit of the all-important women’s vote where none of our political parties would let go of an opportunity to consolidate vote backs to further their parochial considerations. As if on cue, no sooner than the elections are announced, the political parties are out sharpening their intellect to leave no stone unturned in wooing the women electorate with tall promises, assurances, and inducements. As few of the states are scheduled to go to polls in the coming weeks, manifestos of political parties are out promising freebies and goodies solely aimed at impressing the women with the hope to garner their support which is crucial to cross the test at the hustings.
- In Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK manifesto promises Rs. 1500 monthly allowances for housewives if returned to power. Likewise, the ruling TMC in West Bengal is offering monthly income support of Rs. 500 to 1000 for female heads of households which are expected to benefit 80% of Bengal households. By any stretch of the imagination, such schemes are not whimsical but well thought out measures yielding handsome results as many top Indian politicians will vouch after earning the loyalty of women voters by responding to their needs. Parties like Bihar’s JD(U), Odisha’s BJD, and Delhi’s AAP have solid women support base for their women-centric policies.
PC: Alamy
- Even the Union Government rode to victory in the last Parliamentary elections largely owing to its Ujjwala scheme offering free LPG cylinders to poor households helping the women tasked to run the house quite comfortably. Women political leaders like Mayawati, Mamata Banerjee, and late Jayalalithaa consummately succeeded in striking a chord with the women electorate who preferred their respective parties by blessing them with a mandate to rule. In a nutshell, none of the political parties can neglect the power of women voters who can ruin or bless the fortunes when it matters most.
- Of course, the role of the technology-aided digital revolution has immensely contributed to targeting the women voter in a better and organized manner. The path-breaking initiative like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has essayed a transformational role in ensuring the women receive benefits as intended. Nonetheless, the women workforce continues to be vulnerable going by the reports released after the pandemic highlighting the unemployment rate which rose to 55% against 23% among men. Preference for male progeny has not altered the equation on the ground. There is a need to recognize women beyond the power of votes to empower them holistically.
