Mangalore : “Representation for women at the organisational-level or in the Assembly or Parliament will result in redistribution of political power. Men who do not favour redistribution of power block opportunities for women,” said Mysore university former Professor of Sociology and Director of International Centre Prof Indira.

Delivering key-note address at the two-day national seminar on “women and political representation in India” organised by the Political Science department of University College here on Friday, she said “patriarchal political systems do not tolerate women coming to the fore.

The groups comprising rich, wealthy land lords who enjoyed power did not want to give up the power by giving representation. Equal opportunity is guaranteed in India, but not equal utilisation of opportunities. Women’s presence in administration and politics should be made meaningful by her active participation,” she said.

“Studies have shown that one of the main reasons for school dropout is lack of infrastructure that is friendly for female students including that of toilets. Studies have shown that when women are given representation, they have raised the issues of alcoholism, violence and basic necessities which cater to a larger section of the society,” Prof Indira added.

“Female body and cultural norms along with lack of money power act as a constraints for women to get equal representation. Gender quotas must come at the level of political parties. If there is will power, the whole issue of quotas within the quotas can be sorted out. There is a need for policy on quota for women and thereby remove structural barriers to give representation for women,” she said.

Inequality perpetuated by power is the root cause of women failing to get participation. There is a need to give representation to women through rights, entitlement and empowerment, Prof Indira said.

Women part of democracy

Mangalore University Registrar Prof P S Yadapadithaya said that women in political participation will achieve political synergy. Women have a decisive role in an Indian democracy. By excluding women from participation, men can not win the race.

Administrators have to understand the role of women in a administrative process. Stressing on nine ‘C’s’ that are embedded in women, Prof Yadapadithaya said that values of cooperation, coordination, collaboration, commitment, communication, consultation, counselling, consciousness and consolidation are essential for administration. Women participation must include empowerment and commitment.

There was session on ‘women and administration: nexus and challenges’ by Police Academy (Mysore) Deputy Director Dharani Devi, ‘Gender quota in Indian Parliament’ by FMC College Principal Prof Parvathy, ‘Representation: A philosophical discourse’ by Karnataka University Department of Political Science Professor Harish Ramaswamy.

College Principal Satyanarayana Mallipatna, conference chairman Prof P L Dharma among others were present.