Mangalore, Sep 13: Mere presence or visibility of women in the political arena does not necessarily amount to representation, but representation is actual and meaningful participation. True representation comes through entitlement, right and empowerment of women, said Dr Indira, former professor of Sociology and Director of International Centre at Mysore University.
Delivering the keynote address at the two-day national seminar on Women and Political Representation in India' organised by Department of Political Science, University College at Ravindra Kala Bhavan in the city on Friday, she said that equal political representation of men and women was not a reality in our country. Where women are represented, certain issues, which are considered trivial, are raised such as those which affect the society. Their representation makes them demand for change. They raise issues for the greater good of the society, than for personal benefits. However, there are constraints compelling the women not to be represented in the political sphere, one of which is the structural constraint, she said.
Citing an example, she illuminated how the female body and cultural norms themselves acted as constraints. The woman's body itself becomes the reason for her powerlessness in a situation. Her body is liable to be sexually attacked or assaulted, which becomes a major constraint. However, it is imperative that the issue of representation of women in the political sphere is discussed, she said.
She said that economic constraint also prevented women from entering the political sphere. For better representation of women in politics, gender quota must come at the level of political parties. Gender quota and removal of structural policies may aid in better political representation of women, she added.
“True representation comes through entitlement, right and empowerment. Any kind of representation to any group or party will lead to relocation, redistribution and sharing of power, which will not be accepted in the society. This is the crux of the issue,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof P S Yadapadithaya said that the idea of political representation of women was abused and misused. Women are being excluded from political representation. The goal in a democracy is to achieve political synergy, which is why it is necessary to involve women in the political sphere, he said.
Shedding light on the nine C's of representation, he said that co-operation, coordination, collaboration, commitment, communication, consultation, counseling, conscientiousness and consolidation would contribute to the development of the soft component of the administration. A commitment-oriented approach and empowerment is required to bring more political representation of women, he said.
Prof Sathyanarayana, principal of the college, welcomed the gathering and Prof P L Dharma, organising chairman of the seminar, introduced the guest speakers.
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