SHILLONG: Meghalaya is a state where women voters outnumber their male counterparts but surprisingly, most of the political parties here being male dominated and hardly focus on issues pertaining to women.
As the state is going for election in less than ten days time, women voters in the state want their many issues and concerns to be addressed by the future MPs and the new Government that will be formed at the Centre.
The Shillong Times spoke to women from across different sectors of life and sought their response as to what expectations do they have from the MPs and Government which will rule the country for the next five years
Former Cabinet Minister and MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh says that no candidate in Meghalaya can win the elections without the active support of women as women are involved in every segment of the elections be it the campaigning, managing booths etc.
Recalling her experience when she won four elections consecutively, she added that it was a challenging task for her to contest the elections as she had to look after her family as well even as she admitted that women were hesitant to enter into politics because of their household duties
Echoing similar views, Madhavi Chhetry, a teacher working in reputed city schools says that though in today’s world, women are considered as equal in every aspect but the notion needs to be practised in reality and Government must ensure that women are treated equally in all aspects in real terms.
Asserting that crime against women and children are increasing day by day, she urged the Government to come up with policies for protecting women besides erasing the such atrocities on women which would ultimately make Meghalaya a better place.
On the other hand, CSWO president, Agnes Kharshiing who herself was a victim of brutal attack by goons in East Jaintia Hills last year says women suffer a lot and the MP and the Government must see that all the case of crime against women and children are properly investigated and strictest of punishments should be given to the culprits who commit heinous crimes against women.
She also lamented that domestic violence against women is on the rise besides there are many loan shark in the state who harass women and government must do something in this regard.
Hasina Kharbhih from Impulse NGO Network says that it is high time that the manifestos of all the political parties and the candidates who are contesting the elections must talk about the important issue of rights and livelihood of a women.
She also says that political parties now must give a platform for women leadership as many women now are aspiring to take up political leadership.
Rikynti Marwein, a senior journalist from the city says, I am sure they know their job and role.., that’s why they are in the fray.
She said that people can expect many things from them as they make a lot of promises from development to employment…etc, etc, and the list goes on every 5 years.
“It’s a fact that sometimes it’s difficult to meet expectations since they are ever increasing but at least we expect to see a performing MP, the one who is transparent and accountable. A decision maker who we can trust,” she added.