The Hindu 30.07.2010
Political parties should encourage more women to enter politics: GIDA chief
Staff Reporter
| ‘50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies will be a game-changer' |
FOR ENHANCED ROLE: M.C. Josephine, chairperson
Thrissur: The 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies could prove to be a game-changer in politics, said M.C. Josephine, chairperson of the Greater Cochin Development Authority.
Addressing a seminar on ‘Women's reservation, scopes and challenges' organised by the Gender Studies Research Centre here on Thursday, she urged the political parties to encourage more women to enter politics and groom them to take lead roles. “The role of the political parties is crucial for increasing women's political participation. Women are not getting enough space in political parties. The male-dominated value system prevalent in politics needs to change,” she said. Ruling out the doubts and allegations about the efficiency of women representatives to the local bodies, she said women had proved their mettle during the last two tenures. “Women are sensitive to the needs of society and families, so there will be a positive change in policies they adopt while holding important positions.”
The main reason for low participation of women in politics was the patriarchal structure of society, she said.
“Women are generally encouraged to believe that politics is not their cup of tea. Women's reservation provided a platform for them to grow.” Even after decades of struggle for equality, women were still severely under-represented in Assemblies and Parliament, she said.
“Structural transformation is needed to ensure that women are given equal opportunity to participate in decision-making,” Ms. Josephine said.
Mayor R. Bindu presided over the function.
