Inadequacy of women in decision making bodies
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: November 12, 2021 -
CONSIDERING their role in the state's socio-economic affairs since time immemorial, Manipuri women are grossly underrepresented in the political arena even as female voters continue to outnumber the male franchisees.
Besides notable involvement in public movement whenever the state faces threat to its political and geographical integrity, it is the Manipuri women and girls who have been the epitome of sheer grit and resilience.
From excellent achievements in the field of sports and education, they are the ones taking giant steps in every aspect of life. Observance of Nupi Lai on December 12 every year by government as well as organisations even at the locality level exemplifies fierceness and valour of women of Manipur and they deservingly earn the respect for their mdomitable sacrificial spirit.
It is also a fact that contemporary Manipuri women are no less determined than their ancestors as is evident from the long list of successful women who will be a source of inspiration to the upcoming generations to strive for excellence in their chosen profession or trade.
Amid such enviable achievements of Manipuri women, the recommendations submitted by Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) chairperson Dr Binota Meinam to chief minister N Biren on Wednesday seeking women empowerment, safety and compatible representation in the decision-making bodies could be construed as unfair treatment of Manipuri women in-spite of their relentless contributions to the society.
Women of Manipur have always been at the forefront of every historical and epochal event, are known for their contribution in supporting the society and Societal changes.
Nevertheless, they still lag far behind their male counterparts, both in education and participation in governance thereby signifying that Manipuri women continue to be deprived when it comes to the most essential parameters which could define equality and equity.
In-spite of Manipur being a mainly male dominating society, it is the women who have been at the forefront when it comes to fighting against immoral activities, drugs or wrongs of the government besides taking active role in supporting their respective families, economically.
Honouring the MSCW proposals like implementation of gender policy; setting up coordinating centre of the Commission in every district with two members and one coordinator each for prevention of crimes against women, ensuring security and women empowerment;
organising leadership training programmes for both men and women through social welfare department;
revision of obscure customary laws and enacting relevant Act to uplift standard of women;
creation of a separate department for women and child development;
setting up women police stations in remaining districts;
and setting up population regulation commission to regulate and check entry of non-locals under ILP system
will only involve administrative will to bring the desired changes.
As such it was not surprising that CM Biren assured of looking into the recommendations and taking up necessary initiatives so as to address plight of the women folk.
However, the toughest task for the ruling entity in honouring the Commission's recommendation would be ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in selecting candidates for the forthcoming state assembly and ADC elections as history is evidence that all political parties overlooked interests of decorous women candidates and opted to field male candidates well versed in swearing at and disgracing the opponents.
Political parties' reluctance to take on board more women candidates also corroborates that the weight of gender-based historical prejudices and culturally ingrained values remain intact in-spite of the society's virtual progress and even as-many women are courageously defying the outdated system.
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