Friday, May 24, 2024

Beyond Privilege: Can Reservations Create True Equality in Nagaland ULBs?

After many delays and deliberations, finally, there will be 33 % reservation for women in Nagaland ULB elections, which is stated to be held on 26th June, 2024. It's a progressive step, as it will have an inclusive outlook on the policies meant for the targeted urban population. Hopefully, it will benefit women in a greater frame. Young Naga girls who have political ambitions need a home grown woman leader as a role model to shape their political dreams. 

Till date, apart from their 'mothers' (who are not even interested in local electoral politics), they don't seem to have to a Naga female politician who can act like a role model. But yes, same can be said when it comes to choosing a role model from the pack of male politicians. It's just that, it will be easy to atleast pick a name when it comes to male politicians. However, the need of the hour is not to search for a perfect role for the young girls who aspires to be future legislators. The need, however, is to make electoral politics free from the biasness that revolves around gender lines.

My only apprehension is, what if the majority of the women who are elected for ULB are from privilege backgrounds, say wife of /daughter of. In such cases, the whole argument will take a different course. Anyway, it's better to have a woman from a privilege background than not to have woman at all. It's better to break the cycle of no/under representation. Lastly, the supporters of gender equality have come a long way, but it looks like the journey hasn't ended yet.

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