- Trust our political parties to make grandiose announcements whenever elections are in the offing in the form of incentives, inducements/promises galore, and of course, the hollow promise of empowering women. This is solely aimed at targeting equally important constituents possessing the power to tilt the balance in the final analysis. The winning and losing elections largely depend on this hitherto neglected powerful group but not anymore. As women keep gaining more representation, accommodation, and strength in the overall functioning of society, the political parties have realized no longer can they resort to hoodwinking them by usual doling out promises, assurances, and talks of parity, equality, and unbiased treatment.
PC: ARFA JAVAID
- The usual narratives we are so used to have not undergone much change either. Make no mistake, the present-day generation of women are not submissive and mere passive participants any longer. Meekly accepting decisions thrust on them much against their wishes without a whimper is definitely passe. The economic upliftment brought about by earning quality education, jobs, and decision-making roleplay has had a telling effect on the way women are positioning themselves as a voice to reckon with. Obviously, women will not settle for anything less or play second fiddle to men. Nonetheless, there are millions of poor and marginalized women representing the lower strata of society who are yet to feel empowered to essay constructive roles.
- Nonetheless, come election times, expect political leaders to announce grandiose plans to lure the voters. One such announcement was made by Congress promising 40% tickets to women in the ensuing Uttar Pradesh polls. This is on similar lines to what Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) undertook in earlier elections by fielding a substantial number of women candidates. However, the difference here is that Congress is in a dismal fourth-runner-up position in UP, and hence, has little to lose by making this splashy move. The moot point to ponder over here is whether it can commit to the same thing in the Lok Sabha or in other states where it is in the fight. The answer is a big no.
PC: Payton Saso
- Mind you, some CMs who invested in schemes for women have been electorally rewarded at the hustings. Change is palpable on the ground nowadays as women seek real power rather than craving for empowerment. As is known, panchayats reserve a third or even half of the seats for women. However, the Lok Sabha famously and shamefully stalled the women’s reservation bill passed a decade ago by the Rajya Sabha. Note that parties have lakhs of women members, but they barely give a tenth of their tickets to women. About 10 lakh women are elected to local bodies every five years, but their careers remain confined at that level with nary a progress. Unaccountable rhetoric should pave way for concrete action on the ground. Hope all political parties show gumption and resolve to press ahead with the much-needed move.
