Women in Politics

Women in Politics with special reference to Bhopal 

Preface

In the male dominated Indian society, women are expected to remain in the private arena of home, husband and children. Their participation in public affairs especially politics is objected by most of the male counterparts. Philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, John Locke, Thomas Hobbes and Hegel restrict women’s life to family and consider them unfit for political affairs.

However, women are no less than men. They are equally competent and rather more mature and responsible. They participated with full zeal and fervor in the freedom struggle movement. The total number of women politicians in the Congress party before independence was much more than are present today in all parties put together.

Politics has now become a hotbed of crooks and criminals. Participation of women in politics will be fruitful only if honest, accountable and educated women join this corrupt field and contribute in reforming it. With this aim, I also aspire to join politics. So to get a glimpse of the field, I chose to take up this topic and do some research on it in my hometown Bhopal.

Prerna Prasad

Synopsis…

If women constitute 50% of India’s population, then why are they not represented in equal proportion in political bodies? Why their representation in Parliament and state legislatures is just 10%?

When women are outshining men in almost all skills, why this trend is not continuing in political sphere? What are the hurdles faced by a woman politician? How can she overcome them?

What are the boons and banes of Women Reservation Bill? Should it be passed or not? Answer to these and several other questions with reference to women politicians in general and Bhopal in particular have been dealt with in the following pages……

Contents

1. An insight into history 6

2. A glimpse of Bhopal 11

3. The three great feminine rulers: Begums of Bhopal 13

4. A case study of women politicians in Bhopal (present status) 17

5. Comparative study: Between women politicians of Bhopal and other districts of Madhya Pradesh 27

6. Problems and favorable conditions 28

7. Analysis of 33% reservation in local bodies 30

8. Efficacy of Women Reservation Bill 31

9. What a common woman opines? 32

10. Bibliography 34

An insight into History

“Woman is the builder and molder of nation’s destiny. Though delicate and soft as a lily, she has a heart far stronger and bolder than of a man.”

Rabindranath Tagore

Indira Gandhi of India, Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain, Srimavo Bandernaike of Sri Lanka, Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and Aung Shang Shu Ki of Myanmar are shinning examples of women politicians all over the globe. Srimavo Bandernaike of Sri Lanka was the first women head of a state in the democratic world.

Even in the developed nations, the percentage of participation of women in politics is pretty less. For instance, In England women were given right to vote only in 1919 while voting rights to men were granted much earlier.

Women Participants in World’s Major Democracy

Nations         % of Women participant

  

Sweden                         40

Finland                         39

Norway                      39

Sweden                      34

   Denmark                        33

Netherlands                  31

Germany                        21

United States of America                        11

Russia                      10

United Kingdom (UK)                         9

India                            7

Australia                       8

France                           6

Thailand                        4

Japan                            3

Turkey                              2

Source: The World’s Women 1995: Trends and Statistics

Going back to Indian history…………..

Women enjoyed very high social strata during the Vedic and post Vedic period. They were in no way considered inferior to men and were endowed with equal education and training. Brahman girls were taught Vedic wisdom and girls of Kshatriya clan were given training in the use of Bow and Arrow. There were eminent mathematicians like Lilavati and also women well versed in Vedic lore like, Maitreyi and Gargi who had contributed immensely in the writing of Smritis. Presence of women in all auspicious occasions was obligatory. Without them, no ritual could begin.

Due to emergence of social evils during the medieval period, women lost their earlier status. Nevertheless, leaders like Razia Sultan, Chand Bibi, Tarabai and Ahilya Bai Holkar left great impetus on the pages of history. Under Mughal rule, women like Jahanara, Mumtaz Mahal and Noor Jahan held respectable positions.

Freedom struggle witnessed active political participation of women. Rani Lakshmi Bai, Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, Aruna Asaf Ali and a score of others fought for freedom with valor no less than men. Women marched side by side with men to free the country from the shackles of foreign rule. In 1925, Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian women president of Indian National Congress. Madras legislature was the pioneer in providing suffrage to women. Other provinces followed it subsequently. After getting right to vote, women started demanding right to contest elections which was granted to them by the Govt. of India, act of 1935.

The constitution of independent India opened a new chapter granting equality to women in all walks of life. India became the first nation to grant voting rights to both men and women simultaneously. The dynamic performance of India’s first woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, known as ‘Iron Lady’ can never be forgotten. Her programme of ‘green revolution’ made India self sufficient in food grains during the time of crisis. Under her leadership, India entered the ‘Nuclear Club’ by successfully conducting the Pokhran nuclear tests.

In the political scenario of free India, two kinds of women politicians can be pointed out. One is the pallu group which has a political lineage like Sonia Gandhi, Jayalalita, Vasundhra Raje Scindhia etc. And other is the group of frantic women like Uma Bharati and Mamta Baneerjee who have reached their present status through their own labor. India took years to search for a women President, till lately in 2007-08, President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil was appointed. Meira Kumar became the first women speaker in 2009.

The percentage of women participants in party politics is very low. If we look at the national politics, we find that the percentage of women representatives is very low. Just 9% seats of the Parliament are occupied by women members. Though there is no dearth of competent women but there is lack of opportunity and platform for them to come to the fore front.

Almost all political parties claim to provide a certain percentage of reservation to women, but most of them fail to comply by it while distribution of tickets. If they are truly so keen in enhancing women’s political participation, why are they hindering the passage of Women reservation Bill?

Women’s representation in Lok sabha

Term of Lok Sabha                           Total Seats No. of Women members

                           1952-57 489                                                              14

                            1957-62 494                                                             18

                            1962-67 494                                                              30

                            1967-71 520                                                              31

                            1971-77 520                                                              20

                             1977-80 542                                                             19

                             1980-84 529                                                             28

                             1984-89 542                                                             42

                            1989-91 523                                                             23

                            1991-96 536                                                             39

                            1996-04 543                                                              35

                            2004-09 545                                                              36

                             2009-14 545                                                             59


Source: Election Commission of India

A glimpse of Bhopal

Bhopal: The City of Lakes named after Hindu Raja Bhoj is the capital city of India’s heartland, Madhya Pradesh. The princely state of Bhopal was founded by Afghan soldier Sardar Dost Mohammad Khan. Located on the Malwa plateau, the city encompasses several hills chief among being the Arera, Idgah and Shyamala hills. Upper and Lower lake are the two bigger lakes amongst several others.

The Old City is predominantly a Muslim area while New Bhopal is demographically cosmopolitan. The chief spoken languages are Hindi, Urdu and English. The common street spoken Hindi is known as Bhopali. Old Bhopal is famous for Zardozi work, which is a kind of embroidery done on bridal dresses, sherwani's and purses. Major section of the population works in service sector. Mandideep, the industrial suburb incorporates several reputed companies like Procter & Gamble, Fujitsu, Eicher, L&T, Ranbaxy and Lupin which provides employment to a large number of people. Those living in villages cultivate Soya bean and wheat.

Taj-ul-Masaajid, Asia’s largest mosque (area wise) is located in the Old City. Interestingly, the smallest mosque ‘Dhai Seedhi Masjid’ (2-1/2 stairs mosque) lies on the other side of the road in the same area. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (Museum of Man) showcasing hutment of various tribes is the only of its kind in entire India. Rock shelters of Bhimbetka and Stupas of Sanchi are World heritage sites situated a few kilometers away from the city. The shivlinga of the Bhojpur temple sited in the outskirts of the capital is Asia’s biggest linga.

The city attracted international attention when the Union Carbide plant leaked deadly methyl isocyanate gas on the night of 3 December, 1984 killing about 18000 people. Thousand others are still suffering its effects even two decades later.

Fact files (Bhopal)

Population: 1843510

Males: 972649

Females: 870861

Sex ratio: 895/1000

Literacy rate: 71.2%

Male literacy rate: 76%

Female literacy rate: 66.4% (Highest in Madhya Pradesh)

Total working population: 42%

Women work share: 33.2%


Source: Janganana Bhawan, Bhopal

Begums of Bhopal

The position of women in the history of Bhopal has been of great honor and influence. Bhopal was the only princely state which was ruled by women for more than 150 years.


Feminine rulers of Bhopal

Fateh bi, the wife of the founder ruler Dost Mohammad Khan was a companion of her husband in both camp and field. After her, a series of women rulers exerted powerful influence on the affairs of the state. Bhopal was fortunate to have women rulers because the ruling dynasty did not have sons to carry on the reign.

Qudsia Begum (1819-37)

The saintly lady Mamola Bai or Qudsia Begum was renowned for her liberality, kindness of heart and simplicity of life. To the people of Bhopal, she was more than a mother. Along with fulfilling administrative duties, she did many welfare works like building the first water tank through which water was distributed in all parts of the state. ‘Jama Masjid’ of Bhopal was built by her. Though her son in law Nawab Jehangir Mohammad tried to snatch power from her but Qudsia turned him down and after his death, the rule went into Qudsia’s daughter Sikander Begum.


Sikander Jehan Begum (1845-69)

Sikander Begum, an admirable administrator implemented several reforms including abolition of trade monopolies. She regularly toured through the district and examined the conditions of the common man. She reorganized the army and the police system.

During the Revolt of 1857, Sikander Begum proved to be a true ally of the Britishers. Despite opposition by her mother, nobility and public at large, she showed absolute loyalty towards the British forces. Through strenuous exertion, she maintained peace throughout the territory. She granted shelter to the British officers, supplied food grains and went to the extent of providing militarily support in suppressing the revolt. For her assistance, Sikander Begum was granted the Berasia pargana which was earlier under the Dhar state. Though she acted against Indian interests but her valor, grandeur and simplicity will always be remembered by the people.


Shah Jehan Begum (1869-1901)

After becoming the ruler, Shah Jehan Begum followed her mother’s footsteps and continued the reforms in the administration. She took keen interest in the construction of railways. Railway lines connecting Ujjain, Gwalior and Itarsi were erected during her reign. She established a press where books and newspapers could be printed.’Taj-ul-Masajid’, Asia’s largest mosque (area wise) was constructed by her. Every year thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the world visit this mosque to celebrate Tablighi Ijtema. She also wrote a book entitled ‘Taj-ul-Iqbal’ or the History of Bhopal.


Sultan Jehan Begum (1901-1926)

Sultan Jehan ascended the throne on July 4, 1901 after the death of her mother. She took several steps for the welfare of common man specially the women. An agricultural bank was established for social development of women folk. She found ‘King Edward Museum’ which still exists in the name of Maulana Azad Central library. Begum was a great patron of learning. She started Sultania girl’s school, Alexandria Noble school and Asifia training school. The opening of Hamidia Library was a landmark. Provision of free and compulsory primary education was also introduced.

Sultan Begum generously assisted the British forces with both man and material during the World War II. She laid the foundation of the magnificent ‘Minto Hall’ which was once the state legislative assembly. In 1909, a Land record Office was established for the preservation of documents related to land registration. Police and military were brought up to a high state of efficiency during her supremacy. The Bhopal High court was inaugurated during her reign by the Prince of Wales. Her highness Sultan Jehan Begum was a true musalman, a staunch supporter of faith and a ruler with a difference!

After her death, her son Nawab Hamidullah Khan took over the reign. He ruled till 1949 after which the princely state was merged in the Union of India.

Distinct features

 Male Court Dancers

Generally rulers relished the performances of female court dancers. But during Begums rule, several male dancers dressed in female attire were bound to perform before the highness. Thus, there have been certain rare instances in history when females dominated the social order.

 Pari Bazaar

Tinkling bangles, traditional churidars and intoxicating smell of musk embellished the ambiance. That was the scene of Pari Bazaar or the Market of Fairies. It was set by Nawab Shah Jehan Begum with the philanthropic desire of helping the poor and the needy. Surrounded by high walls on all sides, the place was an exclusive affair for women. No man was allowed inside the market. Poor ladies were encouraged to set up stalls of perfume, embroideries, ornaments, jewelleries, toys, sweets and paintings. They were assisted financially in setting up the stalls. Beautiful women from different corners of the state used to visit the fair, have gossips, eat pan and enjoy the exclusiveness.

Women enjoy a respectable status in the capital city of India’s heartland. They constitute 42% of the total population. Amongst the 870861 women, 32.2% are working. The illiterate women work as construction laborers, rag pickers, maid servants etc. Educated women generally choose to be a lecturer, doctor or a bank officer. It is noteworthy that Bhopal has the highest number of female IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officers.

If we contemplate the number of women choosing politics as a career, then the percentage will come out to be excessively low. Only those women choose to be politicians who have a political background. There is hardly any instance of a common woman choosing politics as a career. Generally, they do not want to join this profession because it is not favored by the society. It is also believed that only those people can join politics who are either millionaires or who fail to qualify for any other vocation.

The chances of educated youths especially women joining politics is reduced as elections in colleges have been banned. State government has asked the faculty of all colleges and universities to form the student’s Union by nominating students with good academic and co curricular performance. So probability of students being linked to party politics lessens.

If we look up at the present status of women politicians in Bhopal, we find that there are none at the level of MP or MLA. Since, the seats for the councilors are reserved; we do have 27 women councilors, most of whom have a political background. Earlier their father or husband used to contest from that seat but now they contest as it has been reserved. The situation is same in the rural local bodies. Most of the Panch and Sarpanch are de jure. Actual powers reside in the hands of the male members. In an interview, one of the women Sarpanch hesitated in giving replies as her husband was not with her at the occasion. This exhibits the level of dependency on male members. It’s unfortunate that in the current scenario there is no emerging women leader who could rise to the status of a national or state level politician. Women of Bhopal need to be more active in political sphere for the empowerment of entire women race.

Present status of women in politics of Bhopal: A fact File

Member of Parliament (1seat) No woman

Member of Legislative Assembly (7 seats) No women

Municipal Corporation (66 wards) 27 women Councilors (on reserved seats)

Gram Panchayats (194) 64 women Sarpanch (on reserved seats)

Vibha Patel

Hailing from a political background, Vibha Patel, aged 40 was the Mayor of Bhopal from 1999 to 2004. Presently, she is the General Secretary of All India Mahila Congress and looks over the party issues in Gujarat, Daman & Diu and Dadar & Nagar Haveli. She contested the 2008 assembly elections but lost it. Residing in a majestic mansion, her luxury is so much so that she takes a car to go to her neighbor’s house.

Since when are you in politics?
I have been in active politics since 1999 when I became the Mayor of Bhopal (at that time the seat was reserved for women). But, since I belong to a political family, I used to participate in political activities since my student life.

How much time do you have to devote?
Politics is a 24hours job. You cannot measure or fix any time. Whenever you are called you have to go.

Do you face any problem in this male dominated field?
No, since my family is rooted to this field, I did not face any problem. In this advanced world, it makes hardly any difference whether you are a male or female. There is competition in every field, so is here too. If a woman is competent, then she can easily make her standing.

According to you, what is the best part of politics?
The best part is that one gets a chance to be in close contact with the people. You get an opportunity to serve them by doing welfare works. You can understand and resolve their problems.

Why is politics considered to be a dirty game?
It’s because some people due to their selfish interests are getting involved in corrupt activities and bringing a bad name to this profession. It is imperative that honest and educated people join this field and contribute in reforming it.

Why competent people are not choosing politics as their career?
‘Politics is not a career, its service to the society’. Financial needs of a person have risen to such an extent that one wants a stable source of income. In politics, you cannot have fixed income, so the person considers himself insecure retreating from this field. One can afford to join politics only when he/she is economically sound.

Why educated youth is not curious to join this field?
Youth is not interested in joining politics because he does not want to face the troubles. He doesn’t aspire to resolve the problems of the society. He has become so impatient that he needs everything in a moment.

But, I being a youth object to this idea of yours. I feel that many competent youths who desire to join politics are not able to do so because they do not have a political background. Also one requires huge sums of money to join this field.
If one doesn’t have a political background then it will take time for him to make his standing. You also need financial backing. Further, there is instability in this profession. Even if you are popular, it is not sure that you will win. Because of this insecurity, youth is reluctant of joining politics.

What has been the most unforgettable incident of your professional life?
At the time when I was the Mayor, I got a call at 11PM from a village that a woman was committing suicide by burning herself. I along with my team rushed to the spot. With the help of Sarpanch and police forces, we could succeed in stopping the women from burning herself. I was very satisfied that day; because of my presence a life could be saved.


Do you support the passage of Women Reservation Bill in the Parliament?
Yes, because if the bill is passed, many women who would otherwise be neglected will get tickets for assembly or general elections. The reservation in local bodies has been immensely successful and so will this be. It will provide an opportunity to several subjugated women to participate in the decision making process.

Rashmi Pawar

Pioneer of student politics in Gwalior, Rashmi Pawar, aged 27 is the President of Madhya Pradesh National Students Union of India (NSUI). Hailing from a middle class family, she does not have any political background. She started her political career in her college days.


When and how did you join politics?
I joined NSUI in the 3rd year of my graduation, contested student’s election and became the President of my college. I remained an active member of NSUI and became its district President. In 2009, there was a talent hunt by Rahul Gandhi to select the state presidents of NSUI. He took personal interviews of all contenders and in that, he chose me to be the President of MP NSUI. I was the sole female President amongst all.

Did you contest any local, state or general election?
Yes, I contested 2008 assembly elections from Gwalior but I lost it.

Do you face any problem in this male dominated field?
No, in fact I have total support of theirs. I some times dominate them. I find myself to be at a privileged position being one among the few females.

How can more women be encouraged to take part in politics?
A woman needs absolute support of her husband and family to be active in politics. Without their consent, it’s very difficult for a woman to sustain in this dirty game. She can be a good politician only when she fulfills her duties as a housewife and maintains her eminence in politics. So, the path to politics for women becomes tough but if she has the willpower and determination, she can be a successful political leader.

Swati Kaushal

Swati Kaushal, aged 31 is the councilor of Ward 21, Sarafa Chowk. She lives in a flat at Idgah hills. Her one bedroom house is no different from the residence of any middle class family. She has completed her B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) and B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) from Bhopal. Before joining politics, she was a teacher in one of the private schools. Recently she has been chosen as one of the five best councilors of BMC (Bhopal Municipal Corporation).


How much time do you need to devote everyday?
About 8-10 hours. During campaigning, it is almost 24 hours.

Who motivated you to join politics?
Actually, my father-in-law used to contest from this ward. But, when it was reserved for women, my family insisted me to contest. I received encouragement from my family.

How do you manage your kids, family and politics?
I have full support of my husband and family. My mother-in-law looks after my year old kids. Without, the support of one’s family it is very difficult for a woman to be an active politician.

What are your sources of earning?
We get a salary of Rs.4000/month.

How can politics and politician be corruption free?
For eradicating corruption from the most corrupt field, politicians need to come up and oppose it. They must wisely use the funds for the developmental works.

How do you tackle corruption?
I do my work honestly.

What do you feel is the best part of politics?
The best part here is that you get a chance to be in touch with people. You can serve the public and the nation at large. If you do your work faithfully, you are loved and respected by them.


Do you support women reservation in politics?
Yes, of course. Because of it only, I am at this position today.


Do you want women reservation bill in parliament to be passed?
Yes, for sure because it will encourage and provide an opportunity to women to survive in the male dominated political world.


What was the most memorable moment of your life?
The instance when I met Smt. Sonia Gandhi at a party function in Bhopal.


What is your opinion about the other women councilors of Bhopal Municipal Corporation?
Some of them are well educated. They actively participate in meetings and have a say in the decisions of the council. However, few of them are completely illiterate. They are passive members uttering not even a single word in the meetings. They just put their signature without understanding. If they do not have the confidence to speak in the meetings, how will they manage the law and order of their area?

Kusum Patidar

Fifth grade pass, Kusum Patidar, aged 45 is the Sarpanch of Tumrah village, district Bhopal.


Since when are you in politics?
Past five years

Who encouraged you to join this field?
My husband and the people of the village motivated me as they consider me competent to hold this post. The seat of Sarpanch was reserved for women and they all chose me because I have always been taking part in the affairs of the village.

Do males try to dominate you?
No, they allow me to work independently. However, I do consult my husband before taking any decision.

What profession is your husband in?
Now, he is a farmer taking care of our land and production. Before me, he was the Sarpanch of the village as the seat was not reserved.


How much time do you have to devote?
I go to attend panchayat meetings almost once every month. Perhaps, I spend around 3hours everyday solving the problems of my village.


Do you enjoy being in politics? Has there been any change in your status?
Yes, I enjoy being in politics as I get an opportunity to listen to people’s problem and resolve them. Earlier, I was a cultivator and the wife of a Sarpanch. Now, I am a Sarpanch and my husband is recognized as Sarpanch’s husband. So surely, my status and dignity has risen.


Who campaigns for you during elections?
Basically, my husband handles everything related to elections. But, I do assist him in managing it. Now, my suggestions are also taken into consideration.


Do you support women joining politics?
Yes, of course as it will lead to their empowerment.

Sunita Sen

Sunita Sen, aged 42 is a party worker of Bhartiya Janata Party. She is the President of Mahila Morcha, ward no. 49. Her husband is a government servant. She does not have any political background. The condition of her house is not so well but still she is enthusiastic to participate in politics hoping to be benefited in future.



Since when are you in politics?
I joined just six months back.

How many members are their in your Morcha?
We have around 100-150 members. I also encourage other women to join.

Who motivated you to join this field?
My family, friends and relatives especially Vandana Kali madam (Councilor of Ward 49) who earns a high reputation in the society. She made me meet the higher authorities of the party and encouraged me to join politics.

Did you ever feel let down by the male politicians?
No, not at all. In fact they support me in doing my work.


How much time do you have to devote?
I have to attend party meeting once every month. During campaigning, I have to do publicity from 10 AM to 5 PM.

What work are you allotted by the party?
During campaigning, I have to paste posters, banners, stickers; distribute pamphlets and ask votes for my party.

What are your sources of earning?
I get Rs.100/day for campaigning during elections.

Inference

From the case study, I could draw the conclusion that support of husband and the family is vital for a woman to be a part of active politics. Almost all the politicians, I interacted with had absolute support of their kith and kin. They proclaimed that one needs to have a fixed source of income and financial backing to contest elections. So the saying that you need to a millionaire or billionaire to be a politician proves to be true. Generally, one needs political lineage to participate in politics but if she does not have and still she is determined then she can join student politics as Rashmi Pawar did. Joining politics becomes a challenge for women as they have to maintain a balance between family and political affairs. The politicians I interacted with were successful in doing so. Further, they all asserted that they did not face any domination or discrimination at the work place.

All politicians claim to work for people’s welfare however it’s under question that what part of their saying is executed. They all support the passage of women reservation bill as most of them are the beneficiaries of reservation at local level. Women have noticed a change in their own status after becoming politicians. This is true even in the case of dummy politicians who were asked by their husbands to contest since the seat was reserved.

Comparative study between women politicians of Bhopal and other districts of Madhya Pradesh

Though Bhopal has not produced many successful MPs and MLAs but Madhya Pradesh (MP) does have several of them. In the present Lok Sabha, there are 6 women MPs from MP. They are Yashodhara Raje Scindhia from Gwalior, Sumitra Mahajan from Indore, Jyoti Dhurve from Betul, Sushma Swaraj from Vidisha, Rajesh Nandini from Shahdol and Meenakshi Natrajan from Mandsour. Sumitra Mahajan has won for the seventh consecutive Lok Sabha term from Indore. She is widely known for her developmental works which is why people elect her every year. No male contestant even dares to contest against her. She has changed the scene of Indore from an evolving city to a metropolis and the financial capital of Madhya Pradesh. Sushma Swaraj, MP from Vidisha (located near Bhopal) is the leader of Opposition for the present Lok sabha. Maya Singh and Anusuiya Uikey are the women members of Rajya Sabha from MP.

Out of the 230 members of Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, 26 are women. Jamuna Devi of Congress is the opposition leader of legislative assembly. Though being just 10th passed, she received the award of the best minister in 1997 and was also honored with the ‘Bharat Jyoti samman’ in 2001. Since, past two consecutive terms, she is acting as a constructive leader of opposition. Archana Chitnis, another emerging BJP politician from Berhampur (MP) is the Education Minister in the present Shiv Raj Singh government.

There are no women politicians from Bhopal in the present day national politics, but Uma Bharati was the Member of Parliament from Bhopal in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Lok Sabha. Except her, it is very difficult to point out any name of a national level politician in post independent history of Bhopal.

Problems and Favorable Conditions

Posters of politicians but no women in it! Why is it so? Why women hesitate in joining politics?

Following are the reasons for it:

 male domination of politics

 gender inequality

 odd timings of work (meetings and discussions may be held even at nights)

 cultural segregation like purdah system and restriction on mobility of women

 Lack of access to property (since women do not have properties in their name, they face problem of finance)

 Illiteracy and Lack of awareness

 Character Assassination: (If a woman leader excels then males will try to defame her by questioning her character)

 Restricting women to deal only with women issues.

 Inefficient bureaucracy: To get a simple work done, members have to take several trips of government buildings. Often visits do not make a difference. They even have to sit on dharnas, go on strikes etc. It is difficult for a woman to spare time for these nuisances.



Following are the prerequisites for enhancing women’s political participation:

 Cooperative husband

 Surplus money: Politics is a money game. If you have superfluous money, then you can invest in the gamble of politics and multiply it manifold. But if the woman belongs to a middle class, lower middle class or poor family, it is near to impossible for her to even think of joining it.

 Encouraging political party

 Free from other works: A woman can concentrate on political affairs fully only when she is free from all other occupations. She should have someone close to look after her children. If she lives in a joint family, they should liberate her form household works. Or either she must not have any family to take care of like Uma Bharati who is a saint and no kin to look after.

 A strong women movement and civil society.

 Political background: Women should have a family lineage or family sacrifices to hang on to. Whether you take international leaders like Benazir Bhutto, Sheikh Hasina, Srimavo Bhandarika, Hillary Clinton or Indian leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Vasundhra Raje Scindhia, all have a dynasty of political leaders.

Analysis of 33%reservation in local bodies

Political participation at the grass root level is the most effective way of improving women’s status. With this motive, Article 243 D provided 33% reservation to women in local bodies. But, how far this has succeeded in making women politically active is a matter of concern? Though it has not brought any sea change in their status, but still the otherwise oppressed women is now getting an opportunity to overview the outside world.

Often, there are no competent women to contest from reserved constituencies. In such instances, the existing male politicians make their wife or daughters contest election retaining real powers. Though the woman is being used as puppet but in the name of signing papers, attending meetings and fulfilling formalities, she at least gets an opportunity to come out of the shackles. Sarpanch Kusum Patidar tells, “There has been a change in my status after acquiring the office. Now my say is taken into consideration by my family. The villagers also look up at me with honor.”

In Rural and Urban local bodies, women are contesting and winning only from reserved seats. Out of the 66 wards of Bhopal Municipal council, 27 are reserved. Women are their only on those 27 seats. There is hardly any woman contesting from a general seat. Thus the general seat automatically gets reserved for men.

Politicians win elections on the basis of the work they do. But, in the case of reserved seats, women are tensed about the constituency from which they will contest next as the seats reserved for them are randomly rearranged before every election. So, even if she works for her area, her victory will not be confirmed.

The government has failed to fulfill its promise of providing 33% reservation in Parliament and state legislatures. But it did succeed in deluding the demanders by increasing the reservation in local bodies to 50% which will be implemented in Bhopal Municipal election for the first time in Dec, 2009.

Efficacy of Women Reservation Bill

Women Reservation Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on Sept. 12, 1996 under United Front government headed by Shri. H.D. Deve Gowda. Prior to the bill was introduced, every political party was giving full support to it. But as soon as it was laid before the Parliament, the parties started changing their stance on it, if not publicly then privately. Calling the bill a ‘revolutionary step,’ Gowda on women’s day, assured that the bill would be passed in the current session. But, that session never came.

All endeavors to block the passage of the bill have been made from not being present for the voting on the bill to making demands for changing its provisions. Now the bill has become an issue of national debate; just debate, no execution. Opponents have left no stone unturned to keep the bill dangled. They opine that women should not be encouraged for jobs because if a woman takes a job, naturally a man looses it. Women are meant to serve the house and the family. As, they are most precious possessions which cannot be exposed to the sun and the rains……If democracy has to survive, then the politics of women quota should end………

As per the 1971 census, the population of India was about 54 crores. Now after the 2001 census, it has risen to about 102 crores. So the strength of the Lok Sabha can be easily increased by one-third to 750. This will take away the fear of any male member to vacate the present seat. These extra seats could be dovetailed into double-member constituencies, which will ensure the reservation of one seat for women and, even permitting two to be elected, if the other woman candidate secures maximum votes of the general seat.

The present UPA government assured the passage of the Bill within the first 100 days. However, the 100 days have passed and the Bill has lapsed. It’s disgrace for the top three women politicians i.e. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, President Pratibha Patil and Speaker Meira Kumar that they are not able to persuade the Parliament to get the long pending bill passed.


Moreover, when the so called backward and fundamentalist society like Pakistan can grant 33% reservation to women in its Senate then why should India, the largest democracy in the world, lag behind?

What a common woman opines?

Its pity that after Indira Gandhi, no women could thrive to become the Prime Minister of India, not even Home, Finance, Defense or Foreign Affairs Minister in the last decade. Indira ji could afford to reach at the position because she belonged to the Gandhi family. Similarly Sonia Gandhi was also getting a chance of becoming PM since she belonged to the revered Gandhi’s. It’s very difficult for a common woman to overshadow the male leaders and acquire high political positions.

Garima, a college going girl says, “I am interested in joining politics and working for people’s welfare but I will do so only when, I make my standing in the society. Because without having a reputation, even your party members won’t listen to you.” Joining politics becomes easy only when one has a political background and surplus money to invest, says Rita, a school teacher.

I did a survey taking 20 samples of women aged between 20-40 years from different professions. The survey revealed that 80% of the people favor women joining politics. Those in against argue that politics is a field exclusive for men. If a woman joins it, her family life is disturbed. They say that almost all women politicians of the present day do not have their family. Take Mayawati, Uma Bharati or Mamta Baneerjee for that concern. All of them are unmarried. But they forget about Sheila Dikshit, Sonia Gandhi and Sushma Swaraj who have a happy family and are also excelling in politics.


Do you favor women joining politics?
Yes/No

When I asked the same people that would they like to join this field and why till yet, they have not done so? The response of most of them was that ‘they do have an inner desire of joining politics and reforming it. But they will do so only after making a reputation and gaining popularity amongst the people. As if you become a part of politics without excelling in some other field, then you will have to run after your senior leaders, become a goon for the party, participate in protests and strikes on silly matters and be a part of all corrupt activities your party is involved in.

Sapta, a young girl narrates an example of her relative who was a known surgeon of his area. He used to honestly do his job without extracting illicit money. Two years were left to his retirement and the chief Minister of his state called him one day and asked him to give voluntary retirement in lieu of an assembly ticket from his place. The surgeon agreed as he got an opportunity to serve the people without running after the politicians and getting involved in corrupt acts. He contested and won with thumping majority. Now, he is providing greater service to the society sincerely. So, it’s wrong to generalize that only corrupt people become politicians or after entering this dirty game, an honest man also turns corrupt. Everything depends on the individual and his principles. As, ‘Politics is not bad but politicians are bad’

Bibliography

Institutions

 BJP headquarter, Bhopal

 Congress headquarter, Bhopal

 Bhopal Municipal Corporation

 Janpad Panchayat, Phanda, Bhopal

 Gram Panchayat, Tumrah, Bhopal

 Janganana Bhawan, Arera Hills, Bhopal


Books

 ‘Bhopal’ Past and Present: Syed Asfaq Ali

 The Begums of Bhopal: Shahrayar Khan

 Women’s Political Participation in India: K.S. Saxena

 Political women: Fatima Ehtesham Siddiqi

Newspapers and Magazines

 Pioneer

 The Hindu

 The Statesman

 The Times of India

 The New Indian Express

Web sites

 www.loksabha.nic.in

 www.mpvidhansabha.nic.in