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More than a decade has passed after the 73rd and 74th amendment of the Indian Constitution paving the way for 33 per cent reservation for women in gram panchayats. This led to participation of more than 10 lakh women, particularly from the lower rung of society in public life.

But, Indian women will be empowered and their voices will be heard only when 33 per cent representation is reserved for women in the state legislatures and Parliament, argues a host of women panchayat presidents.

About 80 women village panchayat presidents and town panchayat chairpersons from various parts of the state participated in an advocacy programme on 'Women's Political Participation and Representation' in Chennai March 30, organised by the Institute of Social Sciences, Chennai Centre and South Asian Regional People's Policy Program.

Delivering the inaugural address, chairperson of the Thuvarankurichi town panchayat in Tiruchi district, popular Tamil poetess Salma, said posts and positions in political parties and in governments would give authority to women and pave the way for women to come out from their homes.

She said in the past two-and-a-half years she had been enjoying this freedom that came from her position as president of the town panchayat.

“This position has helped me face criticism from various quarters. The criticism was also in the form of threats and insults,” said Salma.

Salma, who is a Muslim and a poetess, was in the eye of a storm for her writings on women empowerment.

“When I started to write, many criticised me for my name appearing in the print. Many people, including my family members, asked me stop writing or write with a pseudonym. I was forced to choose either of the two. I chose to write with a pen name. I have been writing in this name for the past 15 years and many did not know that I was writing,” Salma said.

“But when I contested for the panchayat president post and won it, they stopped criticising me because I had power in my hands,” she said.

Stating that no political party was interested in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament, she said women should fight and get the 33 per cent reservation.

AIDWA general secretary Vasuki said the demand for 33 per cent reservation had been accepted by the BJP and its allies, Congress and Left parties.

“But, when the bill was tabled in Parliament, a few MPs protested against it, which led to the bill not becoming an Act. This is not the case of other bills. They are passed even in the midst of opposition and protests. Why is that only the women's reservation bill is not passed even though only a few MPs are blocking it,” she asked.

She accused political parties of trying to prevent the passing of the bill for their own interest and because of their chauvinistic attitude.

Palanithurai, dean, faculty of rural sciences, Gandhigram Rural University, spoke about the impact of the training programme given by the university on elected women representatives at the local bodies. 

He said non-issues are spoken by politicians whereas issues concerning the common man are spoken and taken care of by women representatives in the local bodies. 

Pappa, president of the Aathankarai panchayat in Madurai district, said she faced many problems from the local MLA and others just because she belonged to the Dalit community. She said in the midst of all these problems she was able to get funds to built 10 houses in her panchayat, which angered the local politicians for bypassing them. 

Other presidents also shared their experiences and how they were delivering the goods in spite of several odds. Lawyer Ajitha was there in the post-lunch session to give valuable inputs from the legal side. The presidents were seen busily taking down the many sections of the IPC that she touched upon.

If there was one thing that stood out during the interaction, it was the confidence of these women who had risen from the grassroots-level. The confidence came through when they collectively raised the question, “Why ask for only 33 per cent reservation? Let us ask for 50 per cent reservation. We are now confident enough to become MLAs and MPs.”