Mangaluru: “Women in every part of the world are still marginalized from the political spectrum” said Margaret Alva the former governor of Uttarakhand , Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa states, while delivering a lecture on ‘Women in Politics – Prospects and Challenges’ on Wednesday March 18.
She was delivering the Mother Mary Aloysia A.C Endowment lecture – 2015 organized in remembrance of St Agnes founder, which was organized by the St Agnes College together with the Agnesian Alumni association.
Speaking on the status of women in the Indian Parliament Margaret Alva said, “Parday ke piche sab kuch hota hai” (everything happens under the curtain), “under the curtains the men always wish that they do not have to encounter women candidates in the parliament”.
She added, “Men in the assembly stand up for women reservation bills in parliament but none of them want it to be passed, while it gets passed in one house it keeps on pending in other houses and keeps on lapsing.”
“Women in politics can be judged by three factors – their representation in elected bodies, attitudes and policies of the political parties, capacity to influence policy decisions. The pyramid begins to wears off when we see women in the political parties, parliament or the decision making committees. We have had great leaders however there various factors that still restrict women and their participation in politics”, she said.
Sadly the only region today in which women are visible in the political spectrum is just as voters, Alva noted.
She pointed out that it is mainly the mindset – the proportion of women contestants are comparatively low compared to men. On the contrary we today have the highest number of women that we ever had in parliament which is 12% however we are far behind as compared to the world we only have a participation of 21%, when it comes to women in Indian politics.
Focusing on the history of women in politics, Alva said, “The rules of women participation in politics can be traced since the 19th century which attempted to reform Indian society. Women stood against caste and creed, child-marriage, sati and various other social evils. These activities melted the women entry in public spaces which later encouraged them to join the fight in Independence. The ‘Swadeshi Movement’ that was called by Gandhiji asked the women to step out from their home and join the fight for freedom.”
“The entry of Annie Besant into Indian politics in the year 1914 galvanized women the right to vote in municipal and legislative Councils. Several women came up later-on and formed the first Indian women’s association that boosted the Indian women. Since Independence women participation has gradually increased and there is a general acceptance in the given political system. The welfare system has also empowered women by giving reservations”, she added.
During the event Margaret Alva was felicitated and was awarded Mother Mary Aloysia award for being a distinguished Agnesian in the presence of Dr. Sr. Maria Roopa, A.C., Joint Secretary of St. Agnes College, Sr. Supriya A. C.. Principal, Dr. Sr. Olivia, Dr. Devi Prabha Alva, Dean, Faculty of Commerce & Management, St Agnes College, Usha Fernandes, vice-president of the Agnesian Alumni Association and others.
A documentary was showcased by Dr. Sr. Venisa on the immense contribution of Mother Mary Aloysia A.C and her life. The welcome speech was delivered by Carol Pais while the vote of thanks was rendered by Dr. Devi Prabha Alva.
