Women In Politics

Source: Internet

 By                           

 - V.L Ruatpuii & B. Lallawmkima 

             From the time of Union Territory in 1972 to a full-fledged State in 1986, in Mizoram, there have been only four women legislators —- Lalthanmawii,  K. Thansiami,  Lalhlimpuii and the current MLA of Hrangturzo Constituency,  Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu. With such a weak representation, it is not surprising that many women issues are dodged and often ignored. A question arises as to why women are reluctant to participate in the state politics where they could represent half of the population and achieve an easy win.

         In reality, a society which often ridicules women's intelligence has come a long way in empowering women in many aspects but one thing the society cannot agrees on is seeing woman as a leader. This idea is not only prevalent among the men but the women as well. Addressing the gender gap is Lalmalsawmi, Ward IV Councillor of Aizawl Municipal Council who states, "For a woman to enter in politics, we have to earn respect and prove our worth to others which a man receives effortlessly just from his participation. We have to multitask with our family responsibilities and most of all, stay numb to the social judgement which considered woman in politics as loose mannered."

               Is it only the gender gap which inhibits women from participating in politics? "Not entirely" argues Lallianzuala Fanai, a media personnel in a local newspaper who adds," Insufficient interests in politics among the women themselves is the main reason why there is low participation." With heavy political news coverage in the media, everyone is exposed to a certain amount of political information more or less. While many women remain aloof from politics there are many women who considered politics their cup of tea. *Lalrinzuali, a former student's union representative at a prestigious college says," I have always loved politics. It is my dream to enter the nitty gritty world of politics but I am often disheartened when I think about the cutthroat competition amongst political heavyweights that are well equipped with power and money."

Source: Internet

The achievement of the Reservation bill

             Keeping in mind the fierce reality of politics and to increase the chance of women's participation in politics, the Panchayat Mahila Shakti Abhiyan Core Committee successfully advised the then ruling party (Indian National Congress) of the State Government to implement the amendments where on the basis of the 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Indian Constitution there is a chance for women to become members in the municipalities. Accordingly, the Mizoram Municipalities (Amendment) Act, 2009 has made provision for reservation of seats for women in Municipalities. As a result, the Aizawl Municipal Council election on 3rd November, 2013 reserved 6 wards (out of 19 wards) for women. Whereby this Act 33% seats are reserved for women in the gram panchayats and municipal council. This reservation is advocated by the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) and All Mizoram Women Federation (AMWF).

Source: Internet

                 Speaking of her expectation and vision is Dr. Jane Ralte, President of All Mizoram Women Federation who says, "This reservation will give new ray of hope to women who are inclined towards politics whether they hail from a politically active family or not. For politically open mindedness, the future is a green pasture - ready to be explored. If at first there is not much hype amongst women, the next generation will surely result in increase participation and interest among Mizo women" However, theory in perfect practice is a great feat in a state where numerical strength of female voters simply could not garnish victory for women candidates.

Lalnghinglova Hmar, Joint Editor of Vanglaini newspaper weighs the pros and cons saying, "Looking at the national politics where female leaders are often game changers, I don't doubt that Mizo women will make great leaders. But it could be a reality where competent women are uninterested and we have to settle with inept female candidates just for the sake of fulfilling the reservation, won't the people just grumble and shun the reservation?" This is a question which can only be answered with time.

                  It is often said that we live and achieve for the next generation. To say that this reservation will change the participation if not the nature of Mizo politics would be an understatement. Several 4th Semester Political Science students from Mizoram University expressed their views on the reservation. Lalfakzuala says, "I'm very excited as a political science student to witness such a change in the political scenario. This reservation shows that women are just as competent as men to play an active role in politics". Vanlalruata Royte, former President of the Mizoram University Students' Council expresses his views in a more pessimistic way, he explains, "I feel that this reservation will bar many able men who are more than willing to participate in politics. The reservation somehow reflect the gender inequality which suggests that women are still backward in the social and political participation"

                 The development and progress of a nation is often mirrored in the freedom and equality given towards women. A nation cannot be fully developed if its women are restricted from having a say in the political and social activities. Mizoram is turning a new leaf where a reservation will not only encourage the eligible women but also give interest to the younger generation to participate whole heartedly in the state politics.

                  Mizoram, with a population sex ratio of 976 females per 1000 males is the only state in India where female voters outnumber men. However, despite the towering number of female voters the participation and representation of women in politics is marginal. Although Mizo society is patriarchal in nature, women enjoy a fair opportunity in academics and career where many women excel in different fields of study and as head of government offices to award winning entrepreneurs.

Source: Internet

Famous Mizo Female leaders in Mizo History

                   In Mizo history, there are many famous female rulers like Ropuiliani, the brave queen who won't give in on the British till death and Buki who was cited as a female Chief who 'exercised all the political and administrative powers except for guiding the Lushai militia in the battle field' to name a few.  

Source: Internet

*name changed to protect the identity of the source/ interviewees.