Skip to main content

Of women candidates

The stark reality of politics in Nagaland is that we have never had a woman MLA. And this, despite the fact that all these years, we have been proudly claiming to have treated our women equally.
True, she may be better off in many aspects. She may be allowed to pursue education, to follow her dreams, to even marry the man of her choice, but we all know with absolute certainty that when it comes to politics (or even the apex tribal organisations for that matter), a woman's place is never, ever given, or considered with seriousness.
Whether we like it or not, agree or disagree, the patriarchal system of our society is deeply rooted in us. And the lack of women participation in the highest level of decision making body in the state is a sheer reflection of this sad reality. But this time around, we see the emergence of women candidates (however little the percentage of their participation still is) and it feels like a good start considering that this number of five women filing their nomination papers is the highest ever in the history of Nagaland state polls. 
Their winning is important. I hope at least one of them does. But as some have already observed, whether they win or not, they are already winners. And yes indeed! For the courage they have displayed and for choosing to break strong barriers that wall the gender fabric of our society despite lots of difficulties and challenges. I am sure it is not easy to act to the call of their hearts. To say, ‘I will enter politics and serve our people.’ To take the road where only very few women have taken before. To be called names they would never have imagined otherwise. To be told ‘we would love to support you but then, you are not a man!’ To be filled with passion for the task ahead only to be disappointed by the very response of their community just because she is a woman.
I hope someday, we will break free from all these shackles and unhealthy perceptions. That we will also see days when a sitting woman MLA does not sound strange on our tongues. That there will be equal representation of men and women in our legislative assembly. Someday.
We may not foresee it, but I truly believe that then, we will be in a better position than now. Perhaps not all women are cut out for the role. Perhaps not all of them will be the best fit. Just as not all men are. But those women with the heart of a politician (in its truest sense) will definitely make a world of difference in our 60-member legislative assembly.
But first, we have to get used to the idea. The idea of women candidates. And I think it’s a good start to have five of them contesting in the forthcoming Nagaland State Assembly elections scheduled for February 27. May their tribe only increase in the days to come!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is this change something we can rely on?

Of late, everybody has started talking about "change". From political candidates to people from every walk of life. As if we have suddenly woken up from a deep slumber, and "change" is the only thing that can save our lives. Come to think of it, we have survived a “wretched political system” that should have been changed a very long time ago.  I remember old folks narrating about the early days. How different and simpler the assembly elections used to be in those days. They say villagers would go to the extent of contributing whatever they could- pigs, rice, and the like- to the candidate, so he can host his supporters when elections come by. How united people were then in raising a capable leader of their own! No fights. No enmity. No grudges. No demands- personal or otherwise. No promises for contract works, jobs, or financial assistance. But simple and pure honesty-a straight-from-the-heart vote without expecting anything in return. And I thought to myself
Post a Comment
Read more

The man in the neighbourhood

The announcement of the 2018 Assembly Elections in Nagaland, although marred by uncertainty and confusion, has long created excitement. More than ever, men gather to talk politics now. The common man in the street, passengers in a public transport, families and friends either at home or outside, folks in the village, and everywhere else, politics reign. Talks have lingered over the holidays. Intending Candidates visiting homes, people, places, all over again. This has become an accepted tradition. Their presences are more seen and heard now than any other time of the year or rest of the five, dull years. Amazing how the ensuing elections can change everything, overnight. There is so much care and concern all of a sudden. Interestingly, everybody, or most people anyway, have become a sensitive lot- What did I gain in the last five years by voting for him? What did he do for me and my family? What job did he provide for me or my loved ones? These are questions that are doing the rou
Post a Comment
Read more

Things people do during elections

Last evening, I sat with a friend over tea latte and indulged in politics. It made me think of a politician who once said, "whether you are interested in politics or not, politics is interested in you." And well, somehow, pre- or post elections, we just end up talking about it.  Also for some reason, everything changes during elections. You will see different colours of people. People you supposedly knew becoming strangers- turning into somebody with a totally different perspective and personality that you even start questioning- Do I really know this person? And you will also come across really weird things that people do during elections - enough to leave you dumbfounded.  So I heard about a few women in a certain village, who faked carrying babies (and carried dolls) on their backs just to avoid the queue while casting their votes. The logic behind it, I was told, was to ensure that their votes for the candidate they were supporting, were ensured early in the day. I
Post a Comment
Read more