By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 7: Women have long served as the backbone of political campaigns, mobilising, canvassing, and organising support. However, they are frequently pushed to the sidelines when it comes to taking centre stage. Ampareen Lyngdoh, the only female cabinet minister in Meghalaya, has demanded that this disparity be addressed.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, she challenged the long-standing opposition to women in politics by saying, “Men just have to make way—step back.”
“The time for waiting is passed, said to Lyngdoh, as a 33% reservation for women in legislatures is imminent. Should women hold off until that reservation is made? Or should they simply get up and stand strong?” she enquired.
“Very few women want to go beyond that and say, ‘It’s okay if anybody looks at me closely.’ They would rather remain in their comfort zones,” Lyngdoh said, adding that male politicians are also preventing women from entering the political sphere in addition to cultural conventions.
Lyngdoh praised women’s growing electoral involvement and said their wins are well-deserved. She stated that the hard work of female candidates accounts for 99.9% of their victories. She thinks that most women thrive solely on their own merits, even though others may ride party waves.
She rejected the notion that women require political education, contending that men relinquishing their hold on power is the only way to bring about meaningful change.
The absurdity of male politicians mainly depending on female campaigners was another point she made. “Having female canvassers helps a lot of males win. Let women speak up. Now is the time,” she declared.