CONTENTS

Editorials • Message from the Director - Prof. Shagufa Kapadia ...... 3 • Message from the Guest Editor - Aparna Vijayan...... 4 Spotlight • UN Women’s Leadership and Political Participation...... 6 Perspectives 1. Understanding the Dialectics of ‘Change’ – Antara Chakrabarty ...... 7 2. Women in State of War – Fiona Dias...... 8 Contributions 1. Women in Politics and Women Empowerment – Divya Vasava ...... 9 2. Women’s Representation in Indian Legislatures after Emergency 1975-77 – Krishna Mishra ...... 12 3. Women Politicians since 1975 – a Bollywood Way – Nalanda Tambe ...... 17 4. Women in Politics – Nimisha Amit Mishra ...... 19 5. Women in Politics: Representation and Empowerment – Parvin Sultana ...... 21 6. Declivity of Women – is it Politically “Correct” – Shikha Sharma ...... 24 Book Review • The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India – Nidhi Shendunikar–Tere ..... 26 Current Statistics • Political Participation and Indian Women – Raakhee Suryaprakash ...... 28 Insight • Reimagining Politics of Gender: Legacy of Dr. Sharmila Rege – Rahul Mane...... 32 • drlgp A_¡ fpS>L$pfZ - rkÝ^p’® drZepf...... 35 Bibliography 37 WSRC News • Activity Report ...... 38 • New Arrivals - Documentation Center ...... 41 Quotable Quotes 44 Guest Editor Aparna Vijayan Freelancer M.A. (Political Science) The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Hon. Director Prof. Shagufa Kapadia Professor Department of Human Development and Family Studies Faculty of Family and Community Sciences The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Publication Co-ordination Geetha Srinivasan Library Assistant Women’s Studies Research Center The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Khushbu Suthar Program Officer Women’s Studies Research Center The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Message from the Director

Greetings from the Women’s Studies Research Center!

“In a gentle way you can shake the world,” Mohandas Karamdas Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi was successful in mobilizing women to enter into politics and in fact believed that women’s participation in politics is imperative and inevitable. For Gandhiji women’s emancipation was an integral part of the goal of svaräj, which for him represented both personal autonomy and religious and political freedom. By urging women to step out of their domestic spheres, he helped them find a new dignity and place in public life, a new confidence, and a new self-view that they could themselves act against oppression. From passive objects, women could become active subjects or agents of reform, not only of their own predicament but of the whole society.

In bringing out this issue on Gender and Politics, the Women’s Studies Research Center draws attention to the current scenario of women’s representation and participation in politics and leadership roles, and the gender issues therein. I thank the guest editor AparnaVijayan and all the authors for their contribution to this significant theme.

Shagufa Kapadia, PhD Honorary Director, WSRC Professor of Human Development

3 Message from the Guest Editor

The term gender refers to the socio-cultural constructs of values, behaviors and attitudes associated with the different sexed categories such as men, women and the third gender. Rising above the physiological characteristics, these socio-cultural values attributed to them on the basis of their perfomativity constitute the term, gender. To comprehend gender and the roles it play is significant through a gendered lens as far as the analysis of various social, cultural, political and economic machineries in society function. Placing gender in the analysis of these conventional societal constructs has become inevitable in order to not just understand how deftly it destabilizes the stability of our mainstream discourses, but also to know how the marginalized sections (be it of any gender) are perceived in a broader social perspective seeking to address their justice concerns. Now talking about the term politics: The dominant self enters into a perennially conflicting relationship with the other and strives to maintain or ‘secure’ this relational hierarchy; which is made instrumental using the state and the non-state machineries. The domain of politics encompasses the public as well as the private spheres and juxtaposes socio-cultural and economic environments under its direct or indirect influence. It forms the substance, the essence and one of the dynamic forces by which the society, economy, culture and other physical and meta-physical entities get strongly influenced by, if not, just be dependent on. With such a description of politics, it is evident how all these entities remain in constant flux and function with dynamicity. Inherent in such a power-philic struggle-laden structure, the questions regarding marginalization, subjugation, justice, order, profit, identity and violence emerge out and present a latent picture of the indelible imprints these concerns leave on the society, especially on the sections finding themselves at the receiving end of this struggle. One such section constitutes women, the third gender, the effeminate men and the like who are crucified by the stereotypical framework of the society on the lines of ‘gender’. This is why, to comprehend the International System, International Relations, State Politics, and the entire chain of epistemology and ontology guiding political studies, gender becomes one of the lenses. Viewing these segments using gender as the lens give us an idea on the extent, magnitude, the gravity and the intensity with which a political relationship conveniently invades the social, cultural, economic and other spheres to decapacitate the already justice-deprived ones. Gender, a political category in itself, is thus, studied with a skewed understanding or deliberately left unnoticed to suit conveniently the needs for rights and justice. Politicization of gender has seemed to inordinately create the need for radical changes without allowing them to happen. One of the major causes leading to such an epistemological paradoxicity is the inherent threat lying within the mainstream political discourse, which gets threatened due to its analysis keeping gender as the foreground. The mainstream political discourse which is silent on sexuality, sexual rights and gender has largely been concocted by the imbalances associated with gender in a number of ways, creating lesser chances of claiming justice from the state. Right from participation to representation and now, empowerment, the discourse related to gender has been laden with lot of socio-cultural biases. One rarely includes third gender, in discourses, leave aside inclusion of provisions for them in the legal system. There has been sexualization of the deprived groups, which strips them of any moral claims to ‘substantive’ welfare. This indicates the heightening of actual denial of rights said in constitution and denial of receiving justice; as a major mode of social exclusion. The implications of the liberating potential of such rights, once

4 their meaning is fixed by law, becomes always problematic because of its predilection towards certainty and exactitude. The mainstream politics strengthens this singularly universal law (read measures adopted like instituting the women’s reservation bill) whose discourse is predicated upon the assumption that justice can be attained once and for all by fixing identities, categorizing them and adopting a distorted approach of protectionism or mobilizing greater differentiation by doing that. Nevertheless such a bill, as argued by many, at least helps making cosmetic changes within the system as far as providing opportunities to deprived categories are concerned. Equality, for instance, might be explicitly enshrined in the Indian constitution, but Indian women’s, third gender’s and effeminate men’s and all those stereotypically subsumed categories’ lives continue to remain characterized by pervasive discrimination due the wide lacunae generated between ‘formal equality’ and ‘substantive equality’ that plagues justice. Here’s an attempt at realizing that it is precarious to address both ‘equality’ and ‘gender differences’ following both these equality models , because, any attempt at correcting the fallacies embedded in the social fabric is thwarted by a rigid conception of the bills and laws and a closed social conditioning. I sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Shagufa Kapadia for having recognized the need to raise this issue of gender and sexuality, in order to understand how the existing political framework addresses, or fails to address it, especially in the light of violence and regressive attitude against women and other marginalized categories. Hope this newsletter encourages more fruitful discussions and initiates a necessary inclusion of gender in analyzing the state and society.

Aparna Vijayan Freelancer M.A. (Political Science) The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda [email protected]

5 UN Women’s Leadership and Political Participation

The 2011 United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution on women’s political participation notes, “Women in every part of the world continue to be largely marginalized from the political sphere, often as a result of discriminatory laws, practices, attitudes and gender stereotypes, low levels of education, lack of access to health care and the disproportionate effect of poverty on women.” Individual women have overcome these obstacles with great acclaim, and often to the benefit of society at large. But for women as a whole, the playing field needs to be level, opening opportunities for all. UN Women’s leadership and political participation programmes a) The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women upholds women’s right to participate in public life. b) The Beijing Platform for Action calls for removing barriers to equal participation. c) The Millennium Development Goals measure progress towards gender equality in part by the proportion of women in parliamentary seats. d) Provide training for women political candidates to help build their capacities, and offer civic education and sensitization campaigns on gender equality. e) Encourage young men and women to engage in advocacy around making gender equality measures central to public policymaking. f) Work towards fair access to political spheres— as voters, candidates, elected officials and civil service members. g) Collaborate with UN country teams and work with civil society on programmes so that elections uphold women’s rights, including to vote and campaign free from electoral violence. How we make a difference 1. Kenya: In the 2013 elections, the number of women legislators rose to more than 20%, more than double compared to the previous elections. UN Women contributed to this result by providing training to nearly 900 female candidates in all 47 counties and running a Campaign for Women in Leadership to encourage voters to vote for women. 2. Pakistan: In 2012 UN Women supported women’s voter registration. The National Database and Registration Authority registered more than 40 million women, representing 86% of the female population, increasing from 44 % four years earlier. For the first time, the Election Commission, supported by UN Women and UNDP, has a system to collect voter turnout data by sex, which will aid in pinpointing obstacles to women’s civic rights. 3. Timor-Leste: After the 2012 elections, Timor-Leste had the highest proportion of women legislators in Asia. At 38 %, it exceeded the one-third quota mandated by law. UN Women in partnership with UNDP has been instrumental in supporting an active women’s parliamentary caucus, civil society groups and the national gender unit to promote women candidates. 4. Zimbabwe: A new constitution that is strong on women’s rights was signed into law in Zimbabwe, which resulted in women gaining 35 % of the seats in the 2013 July elections, compared to a previous 17 % in 2008. Behind the breakthrough was the Group of 20, a constitutional gender equality lobbying group comprising activists, politicians and scholars supported by UN Women. Source: Retrieved from http://www.unwomen.org/~/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2013/ 12un%20womenlgthembriefuswebrev2%20pdf.ashx 6 Understanding the Dialectics of “Change”

Antara Chakrabarty Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, 3rd Semester Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Tuljapur Maharashtra [email protected]

In the recent times ‘gender’ has been more or less goddesses, has discriminated women for years. Even equated with ‘women’, ‘female’ etc., and their issues. if there are innumerable goddesses who are For a layman, Gender Studies has no place for the worshiped, they are most of the time tied with major study of man and his wonders. A social science gods in congenital terms. This is another instance of approach in the end would pursue to see through a how a simple thing can be looked the other way larger picture wherein the dynamics of anatomic round. Saba Mahmood in his ‘Politics of Piety’ differences as a whole play a role, and not just female speaks of the prolonged feminists’ intervention in issues. Till a few years back, brain perceived gender the religious practices of Islam where women are relations only as a binary pole indicating man and yet to be at par with men. The very ideas of secular, woman. Although the present buzz is beamed with democratic and liberal thoughts have been subject the protests for the rights of the LGBTQIA. Slowly to a greater debate where the public and private are and gradually, when the notions of patriarchy were seen as two poles. To see this in a larger picture, the thinking of an urban feminists’ revolution to bring unveiled,the instances of being born to a typical about a change standing against patriarchy is in itself Indian family, father as the breadwinner became very an end product of a patriarchal world. In the long mundane. With economic power comes in dominance process of dialectics, the synthesis emerging out of and finally leading to the penning down of a way of this thesis might lead to an anti-thesis of some sort life. So, to start with something as dynamic as but in the end the synthesis will be again in favor of ‘gender’ within the context of socio-cultural men. Therefore, falling in a cyclical trap of struggles discourse, patriarchy and feminism remain the key- and ideas seem to be inevitable. Two decades of my words. life has come across news relating to rape, sexual As Simone de Beauvoir in her book ‘The Second violence and such ignominious acts and to my belief, this shall continue. Philosophers and thinkers shall Sex’ explains, “One is not born a woman, but rather come up with theories from time to time but a change becomes one” has much to speak when the prevalent can be brought when worked in the rudimentary discourse of being a woman is largely discussed. level. As Fanon puts up, decolonization in itself is Only to speak of a yardstick i.e., man and the violent, so in a way, for me change can be brought extension as woman are being largely debated by when there is something grave imposed. But imposed the present day feminists. The times that have been on whom? Unless the whole system of juridical called as biased and the notions of physical strength process does not change, altering people’s mind in being more to men is the highest form of argument terms of anything concrete and substantial, it advocating patriarchy, in my opinion. An urge to becomes impossible. To think of a world where bring about a change in this age old process of women is liberated from the excesses of men’s patriarchy is itself a tough task. The perceptions domination can be brought out where ‘gender’ is emerge not only from the belief system but religion itself questioned. The process of classification not as a whole has much to speak in this regard. only brings in hierarchy but also a sense of alter ego Hinduism, even after having much worshipped where ‘I’ and ‘they’ are made bold.

7 Whether it is gender or sex, in the end it adds up to genders and all those deprived sections. In this the hegemony that is practiced by a section. So, in process, millions shall be suppressed but there will my opinion, I shall be free when the steps leading to remain a few, writing the future of time where that edge of major aim of equality is documented by differences shall be respected and philosophers, a violent revolution by women, the oppressed greeted.

Women in State of War Fiona Dias Freelancer M.A. (Political Science) Dept. of Political Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda [email protected]

A modern state is associated with autonomy, slavery, forced pregnancy, forced sterilization, sovereignty, the capacity to reason and objectivity. starvation, humiliation and displacement. State’s It is a superior entity whose main aim is to protect. employment of violence against women and men as The western brand of masculinity is often explained a tactic of war (sexual violence) has rarely been in this manner too. Thus a state can be called a system brought out in the discourses of conflict studies. The of power where everything representing the notion state of war has seldom been deliberated upon these of masculinity is revered overtly or covertly, making lines, thereby sidelining the politics concerning it anything but gender neutral. Rather it manipulates women’s position in such a context. gender to achieve its main purpose i.e. security. This It is a known fact that beneath the political construct is proved and made obvious when a state is at war. of war, the larger message of domination and the When a state enters into a war, it does so to protect atrocities perpetuated according to gender, gains the weak and feminized class, i.e. citizens who don’t authority. Yet violence against women is publicly bear arms in the battle field. A more ‘selfless’ state tolerated. This is because war legitimizes many acts will fight wars to rescue this feminized class. As a of violence and often disregards human rights in result, the state plays a dual role of protector and general. The notion that women’s rights are violated defender whenever needed. A country at war is the is often ignored, as it is secondary to other issues ultimate masculine entity, whose domination and that emerge during wars and conflicts. control is usually exerted not only on its own citizens So, how do we solve this problem? but also on the citizens of the enemy state. It justifies and condones its actions on the basis of this logic Acknowledging that the modern nation state is without any care of the adverse effects they have. constructed as a masculine notion is the first step, Although entire communities suffer the for only then can we begin to deconstruct and replace consequences of armed conflict, women and children this notion with a more gender-sensitive if not who are at the bottom of hierarchy often face the gender-neutral state. Solving conflicts through peace- worst of the atrocities. Rape and sexual abuse is the building processes and using extensive conflict most common outcome of war. Violence against prevention methods which reduce the acts of violence women range from murder, mutilation, sexual that women face is the second step. It is even more

8 important that peace building and conflict prevention and reconstruct the notion of citizenship in a way methods are gender-sensitive. There is a need for that removes the slave-like subjugation that state political, social, economic and psychological imposes during times of conflicts. empowerment of women during times of peace and Every now and then, the word “gender-sensitive” is that is even more necessary during and after war. preferred over gender-neutral. This is because in According to the UN Security Council Resolution order to achieve the latter, the state system would on Women, Peace and Security there needs to be have to collapse, and a new order would have to be gender sensitivity in emergency aid and established, which at this moment seems impossible. reconstruction processes during and after armed Yet a state can undoubtedly evolve to become gender- conflicts. There is also a need to change the way we neutral, and that starts by being gender-sensitive, study wars and conflicts in international politics. especially if the state is a democratic state. This is Instead of treating it as the impersonal sphere of ‘high the only way we can reduce atrocities that women politics’ where statistics gain weightage, we need to all across the world face during wars and conflicts include the actual personal experiences so that states and give them the safety and dignity that they deserve can recognize and respond to these problems. Since by the virtue of being a human being. the logic of state and citizen is built on the logic of masculinity and femininity, it is imperative to rethink

References: Bunch, C. (1990). Women rights as human rights: Toward a re-vision of human rights. Human Rights Quarterly, 12. Tanwar, R. (1998). Women: Human rights, religion and violence.Nirmal Book Agency. Young, I.M. (2005). The logic of masculinity protection: Reflections on the current security state. Women and Citizenship.

Women in Politics and Women Empowerment

Divya Vasava Assistant Professor Faculty of Social Work, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda [email protected]

Abstract materialized to a greater extent due to the Panchayati Raj system. In any society population of women is close to half of the total population. For ages, no matter to which This paper highlights women’s increasing nation they belonged, women in general have been participation in politics and illustrates instances suffering from agony, distress, discrimination & manifesting empowerment of women, which is made apathy. Women tend to be confined to domestic instrumental through Panchayati Raj. chores and restrict their participation and decision- making to private sphere of life. No doubt, the Keywords: women in politics, empowerment. position and status of women of today have improved Introduction quite significantly. If we look at the public political space, we find an increasing participation of women Since times immemorial, the question concerning in this sphere. Considering India (here), this has recognition to women has remained prevalent and

9 dominant till today. However the political concerns and in the proceedings of the PRIs, thus related to status of women in society have undergone exploding the myth that women were changes in its discourses with time. From conferring disinterested in politics and public life. a superior status to women in scriptures, associating 2. The women representatives generally got the them as perfect home-makers, to their increasing µ independence in public and private realm now, they support of the families during elections and also have been tagged all along. Despite changes in in the performance of their new political roles. economic independence, real freedom at social and Marginalized sections like the Scheduled Castes political (both public and private) levels are a far (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) saw women cry. Having said that, they are in front, leading the from their groups as representatives of the country, making mile stones and becoming a source interests of their group in the political arena, of inspiration for many. while the better-off sections saw women from their own groups as helping to consolidate their No modern society can claim to be progressive positions. without the inclusive role of women in all walks of life, leading to socio-economic change and 3. The self-esteem of women has gone up development. The following paper deals with tremendously, and that is an observation that women’s political representation and participation. holds true across the board. The stepping up of women into the public realm has long-term The concept of Panchayati Raj had been introduced implications for gender relations in society and in the year 1959. Bringing women into politics the family. through the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) was an act of bridging the gap and discrimination. The 4. While the presence of women in these Indian government has raised reservations for women institutions over the last eight to nine years has in all tiers of the Panchayati Raj system from 33% not transformed the power structure in the rural to at least 50%. India probably became the first areas in any significant manner, and vested country to reserve 50% seats for women at Local interests have tried to use the provision for Self Government (LSG) level after the Union Cabinet women’s reservation to consolidate their approved a proposal for a Constitutional Amendment position, the overall experience has been Bill for increasing quota for women in Panchayats positive. Thus women are engaging in power at all tiers. In the recent years there have been explicit struggles, which used to be dominated by men, moves to increase women’s political participation sometimes as actors and at other times as pawns. at top level. The inclusion of women in PRIs has However, participation in the public realm for helped change women’s perceptions about women means that marginalized groups and themselves. communities are finding a legitimate space to articulate their interests and aspirations, and the An International Labour Organization (ILO) Study women of these groups are being able to mark shows that “while women represent 50 % of the a politically motivated presence, although world adult population and a third of the official slowly. labour force, they perform nearly two- third of all working hours, receive a tenth of the world’s income Let us understand how we can empower women to and own less than one per cent of world property”. actively participate and involve themselves in the Therefore, reservation for women is not a bounty decision-making process. Empowerment calls for a but only an honest recognition of their contribution willing participation, pertinent for the formulation, to social development. implementation and evaluation of the decisions determining the functions and well-being of our The Contextual Evidence to prove women liberation societies; for which favorable conditions are needed can be enumerated as under: - to be created. Here are some of the suggestions for the better involvement of women in Panchayati Raj: 1. Women have responded overwhelmingly and participated with full enthusiasm in the elections 1) An important requirement for bringing about

10 empowerment of women is to bring about an 4) Incentives play a vital role in ensuring the attitudinal change in both men and women. The participation of elected representatives in feeling that women are meant for household decision-making. It has been noticed that there activities and bearing children needs to be are very active and enlightened women leaders replaced by a feeling of equal partnership of at all levels of Panchayat, ensuring an overall women and men. To inculcate this, they should representation of women in general. Such be imparted education for bringing about social leaders need to be encouraged by publicizing and political awareness among both. and acknowledging their leadership qualities and honouring them in public meetings. It will 2) Studies on women in politics have emphasized encourage other women and their success stories the contact with the outside in the political and good practices would prove inspirational process. There could be 2 ways of doing it. to them and others in society. Firstly, interaction between enlightened rural women and illiterate elected women leaders be 5) The women should also been couraged to encouraged. Secondly, these women could be organize themselves collectively. It can be taken out to the urban areas and their interaction effectively used as instruments to mobilize with elected educated urban women women of the village. Some successful women’s representatives be arranged. organizations can also act as a catalytic agent for encouraging women’s participation in social 3) There should be increased emphasis on ensuring and political activities. The government should the participation of women in the meetings of also provide financial support and infrastructure Panchayat at all levels. This is needed to to some of the successful women organizations promote and enhance their leadership qualities to take up the responsibility of encouraging the and self- confidence. It will help them perform women elected representatives in delivering, better in Panchayat to ensure their participation performing, and voicing opinions. Thus, the in the meetings. Attendance of all women must focus must be on deliverance and making a be made compulsory from Gram Panchayat to mark. Zilla Parishad.

References: Barik, B. & Sahoo, U. (2008). Panchayati raj institutions and rural development. Jaipur: Rawat Publications. Baviskar, B. & Mathew, G. (2009). Inclusion and exclusion in local governance: Field studies from rural India. New Delhi: Sage Publications. Bhatt, Acharya S. (2011). Rural women, panchayati raj and development. New Delhi: Mohit Publications. Pal, M. (1998). Woman in panchayat: Experiences of a training camp in Uttar Pradesh. Economic and Political Weekly, 33(4),150- 152. Patil, R. & Jadhav, M. (2005). Women sarpanch in Sangawde gram panchayat in Maharashtra: Whether the challenges are met? Journal of Shivaji University, 39, 37-46. Ramesh Chandra. (2004). Liberation and social articulation of dalits. New Delhi: Gyan Publishing House Sachar, R. (2003). Women’s reservation bill - A social necessity, national obligation. PUCL Bulletin, 1. Singh, S. (2002). The new panchayati raj- rural transformation in the state of Haryana. Jaipur: Aalekh Publications.

Webliography: 1) www.wedo.org/wp.../women-local-self-governance-in-indian-context.doc. 2) www.womenempowermentinindia.com/status-of-women-in-india/ 3) www.mkgandhi.org/intro_autobio.htm

11 Women's Representation in Indian Legislatures after Emergency 1975-77 Krishna Mishra Research Assistant Mudra institute of Communications, Ahmedabad [email protected]

“Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacities. She has the right to participate in very minutest detail in the activities of man and she has an equal right of freedom and liberty with him”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Introduction has seen a slight increase in sex ratio.

India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Women equally deserve privilege to shape their India is the world’s largest democratic country and future and share responsibilities for themselves, their the second largest populace (BBC News, 2014). families and their country. In this context, it will be Constitution of India promises equal rights, justice, notable to analyze the status of Indian women in liberty and fraternity to its citizens. Political politics through their participation and representation participation and voting in election is the driver of in State Assemblies and LokSabha. This is necessary our democracy. In democracy, men and women because pressure groups of women legislators are should enjoy equality of liberty and decision-making considered as capable of influencing policy debates in terms of voting and political participation. Our regarding development issues of women. This article constitution has adopted many measures to upgrade seeks to discuss about Women’s Reservation Bill and their education, socio-economic status and political women’s representation in political institutions. representation. The role of Constitution and Parliamentary Indian democracy envisions to safeguard welfare of institutions is to strengthen the power of weaker women through many articles of Constitution such sections which include Scheduled Castes (SCs) and as 14, 15, 15(3), 16, 39(a), 39(b), 39(d), 39(A), 42, Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes 46, 47, 51(A) (e), 243 D(3), 243 T(3), 243 T(4) (OBCs), women and tribes (adivasis). The debate (Central Statistical Organisation, 2005). Since on reservation is ‘unusual’ in terms of women’s independence, the government of India has rights. The Women’s Reservation Bill first appeared formulated many laws to protect women. Indian in 1996 as the 81st Amendment Bill in Parliament women were deprived of their right of equality vis- which proposed 33% seats for women. At that time, à-vis men. Our constitution prohibits discrimination lots of questions were raised in Parliament but in among men and women but the position of women successive Parliaments this issue got drifted due to remains unequal, according to a United Nations political reasons. report. Evolution of gender and caste reservation As per the Census 2011 report, there were 940 A) Most of the countries in the world failed to give females per 1000 of males. Census 2001 revealed equal representation to women in political that there were 933 females to that of 1000 males institutions. Countries like Rwanda, Andorra, (Census2011.co.in, 2014). Since decades, India has Cuba, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland seen a decrease in sex ratio but, the last two decades

12 have nearly equal representation in politics significance not only for ‘Gender Equality’ but also (www.ipu.org, 2014). Even women in Western for nation‘s holistic development. This ‘qualitative European and North American countries are difference’ is necessary to be understood because fighting for economic independence and development and empowerment of women form a political participation (Narayan, Sheth, Yadav major step towards achieving equality in & Kishwar, 2008). In this context, Indian developmental gains. situation is far from satisfactory. Journey and struggle of Women’s Reservation B) The Constitution of India ensured the Bill reservation to uplift the weaker sections of society, so that, it provides reservation in In 1993, a constitutional amendment was passed in electoral representation to SC/STs. This was India. The Article 243 (D) of the Indian Constitution necessary to empower the weaker and backward mandated that at least one third of the seats in three sections of the society which were suffering due tiers of the Panchayati Raj System to be reserved to caste system since many centuries. for women through elections (Empowerment of women through Panchayati Raj Institutions, 2010). C) Government of India formulated the Mandal The Women’s Reservation Bill (81st Constitutional Commission after emergency in 1979 to study Amendment Bill) was first introduced on 4th Sept. plight of backward classes. This Commission 1996 by the United Front Government. This Bill was was (officially declared from 1st January 1979, reintroduced on the 26th of June 1998, in the 12th through Article 340 for Article 15 and 16) was LokSabha as the 84th Constitutional Amendment Bill formulated to suggest ways through which by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Once reservations for OBCs can be recommended again in 1999, in the 13th LokSabha, NDA based on their backwardness in representation reintroduced and then in 2002 it saw the same fate. (Recommendations of the Mandal Commission, In 2003, it was introduced twice. But, the then 1993). The Mandal Commission recommenda- Government had made no efforts to pass this bill. tions were accepted by Indian Government in Once again in 2004, the United Progressive Alliance 1989. Through this quota, OBC got beneffited (UPA) Government showed some ray of hope, but it in eduational institutes and jobs in public sector. too failed. This Bill is still struggling and the process is still going on. The current Bill which was Rationale for women’s reservations introduced by UPA is 108th Constitutional The reservation or quota should be provided for all Amendment Bill, 2008 (Singh, 2010). In 2010, the underprivileged classes of society. Historically, Cabinet cleared the Bill and it was passed by Indian women also form major portion (nearly 50%) RajyaSabha. of the population who were denied democratic rights, The questions which emerged to deal with the development share, freedom to speak for themselves women’s representation were as follows: and political power to influence policy making. Today, India ranks 136th in terms of Gender ² How many Indian women are able to vote in Inequality Index (HDR, 2013). General Elections? The Indian Government has taken 46 years post- ² How many women do actually fight in General independence to introduce Women’s Reservation Elections? Bill. Even after 65 years of independence, women ² What is the degree of representation of Women are waiting to see the Bill passed. The debate about in Indian LokSabha after emergency? Women‘s Reservation is not qualitatively different from that of debates related to the backward and ² Is the number of Women MPs in 2014 LokSabha weaker sections of the society. But this is ‘different’ capable to influence the course of Women’s in a sense that of the sheer size of its population and Reservation Bill? its degree of deprivation in many contexts. Thus as ² Will this Reservation Bill change the status of mentioned above, reservation issue holds great women in contemporary Indian society?

13 Female voting participation in India voters in India. It is noteworthy that the States like - Kerala, Goa, Meghalaya and some of the Union As per Indian constitution, women have voting rights Territories have more number of female voters as since the first election held in 1951-52. But they do compare to males (Pib.gov.in, 2014). not have enough representation in the parliament, considered our population and electoral strength. In Picture of an increasing women’s political 2014 election, the number of voters increased by 4.7 participation and representation in LokSabha times compared to the first election which was held In India, the women’s participation in politics was in 1951-52. The number of registered voters on a decline since the days of freedom movement. tremendously increased from 2009 general elections. The quantity and the quality of women’s As per the data of Election Commission of India, participation in elections as compared to men have (Feb. 2014) there are 81, 45, 91,184 registered lowered in range. Women’s participation was 30 electors in country. Out of the total registered voters times lesser than men till the 9th general elections. in the country, 42, 66, 51,513 are male and After emergency, the women’s representation in 38, 79, 11,330 are female voters. The members of elections till 1989 was really poor. Then from the ‘Other’ category are also included which constitute 10th election in 1991, the condition of political 28,341 registered voters in 2014 (Pib.gov.in, 2014). participation saw some improvement. But the Women constitute 41.4% of the total registered representation of women in LokSabha has basically been stagnant.

Data is drawn from election results declared after 1977—after culmination of internal emergency.

Year of Total No. Total No. Total No. Total No. Total No. Percentage Percentage Election of seats of males of Females of male of Female (%) of (%) of Contested Contested Members Members male Female Elected Elected MPs MPs

1980 542 4486 143 501 28 94.84 5.16 (7th election)

1984 (8th) 514 5150 162 472 42 91.83 8.17

1989 (9th) 529 5962 198 500 29 94.52 5.48

1991 (10th) 524 8342 326 484 37 92.94 7.06

1996 (11th) 543 13353 599 503 40 92.64 7.36

1998 (12th) 543 4476 274 500 43 92.09 7.91

1999 (13th) 543 4364 284 494 49 90.98 9.023

2004 (14th) 543 5080 355 498 45 91.72 8.28

2009 (15th) 543 1489 134 333 43 92.09 7.91

2014 (16th) 543 7,578 668 482 61 88.77 11.23

14 If we see the figures, in 1980 after emergency the Education and good family environment matter a lot percentage of female MPs was 5.16 which was very in case of success of any person, be it men or women. less and got improved in 1984, which is 8.17%. In Poor and the middle class women have lack of 1984, the total number of female MPs elected was information about the basic rights just because of 42 which were very high compared to 1980 results, their lack of education and ignorance. For improving i.e. 28 women MPs. After this in 1989, it got declined the status and participation of educated and capable by 5.48% of female MPs. The data of 1991, 1996 women in Parliament, increase in the number of and 1998, which is the 10th, 11th and 12th elections, women voters becomes essential. On the other hand, the growth percentage of female MPs were almost the number of women standing for elections also the same. The increase in proportion of women MPs needs to increase. The increase in the number of out of the total strength in LokSabha continues to be female voters and women candidates for elections very low, that is 7.06% (10th LokSabha), 7.36% (11th can give an impetus to the Women’s Reservation Bill. LS) and 7.91% (12th LS) respectively. This presents a depressing trend in figures of women MPs in Why is reservation necessary? Reservation can be LokSabha. the fastest way of increasing the number of women contestants elected. If the number of women Talking about 13th election held in 1999, there was a increases in Parliament, they will perform the major slight increase in women’s political participation. role in taking strategic decisions. Despite many The total number of elected female MPs was 49 and arguments and debates, Reservation Bill will favour the percentage was 9.023. But again the percentage limited women as it happened in some countries like of elected female MPs declined in the 14th election Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal. These are the held in 2004 amidst lots of campaigns and media countries where women have high share of seats in awareness. There were only 45 elected female Parliament due to the introduction of reforms and members and the percentage was 8.28. In 2009, it quota laws (Tandoh-Offin, 2010). In Pakistan, the declined by 0.37%. The total number of women quota system has proven as the fastest way to elected was 43 and the percentage was 7.91. In the ensuring women’s good amount of representation in latest 16th election of 2014, the percentage of females Parliament (Ghosh, 2014). In nearly 16 countries, elected improved by 11.23%, and the number of there is equal participation of women and men in females MPs elected improved up to 61 decision-making processes, with particularemphasis (Eci.nic.in, 2009). on political participation and leadership (Equal participation of women and men in decision-making In this LokSabha, there are only 61 women out of processes, with particular emphasis on political 543 seats. To represent more than half a billion participation and leadership 2005). population, we have only 61 female MPs in LokSabha. Lack of consensus and political tactics Therefore Women’s Reservation Bill is an essential about Women’s Reservation Bill have become a topic step to reconstructing the electoral system. Many of endless debates. But once passed, the Women’s women groups have suggested views on endorsement Reservation Bill will bring about a sea change in and have run campaigns to spread awareness about our society. There were times when the SC/ST and women’s rights (Thakur, 2014). The gender-related OBC classes were exploited and were considered issues are the most crucial factors which affect untouchables in almost all parts of the country. The women’s parliamentary representation (Norris & government’s step towards reservation has in a large Inglehart, 2001). way proved meaningful as a corrective measure. It has helped reduce the feeling of being discriminated Conclusion and hatred in the SC/STs and OBCs. In effect, it is essential to improve and increase the Similarly, if there would be more women in women’s participation and representation into Parliament like the male counterparts, their role in constitutional bodies. The electoral and decision-making could apparently increase which parliamentary reformation is not only essential but could lead to a gradual improvement of their status, it is a high priority urgent agenda. The goal of women providing them much-needed recognition.

15 empowerment through reservations is nowhere in sight as we see the trend in successive LokSabhas. It is clear that immediate, continuous and concerted efforts will be required to improve the status of women in Indian society and Parliament. India needs women leaders and MPs who can change the way, the society perceives women. It is essential to pass legislations that can at least provide basic recognition to women and make her active participation inevitable, where the women leaders will be able to contribute substantially to the society at large.

References:

BBC News. (2014). India country profile. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12557384

Census 2011. (2014). Sex ratio of India. Retrieved from http://www.census2011.co.in/sexratio.php

Central Statistical Organization. (2005). Women and men in India 2004. New Delhi: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, C.S.O., Government of India.

Election releases page (2014). Retrieved from http://www.pib.gov.in/elections2014/eleRelease.aspx?opt=1&relid=105124

Empowerment of women through panchayati raj institutions. (2010). Retrieved from http://nlrd.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ Empowerment-of-Women-Through-Panchayats1.pdf

Equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes, with particular emphasis on political participation and leadership. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/egm/eql-men/FinalReport.pdf

Ghosh, P. (2014). Where the boys are: Vastly underrepresented, Indian women demanding greater participation in politics. Retrieved from http://www.ibtimes.com/where-boys-are-vastly-underrepresented-indian-women-demanding-greater-participation-politics- 1565797

HDR. (2013). India still ranks low in gender inequality index. Retrieved from http://www.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/In-the- News-2013/UNDP_India_in_the_news_1503201317.pdf

Narayan, J. (et.al.) (2008). Enhancing women’s representation in legislatures. Reservations for women. 6, 332.

Norris. P. & Inglehart. R. (2001). Cultural obstacles to equal representation. Journal of Democracy,12(3), 126-140.

Rajgopalan, S. (2014). 2014 Elections: Parties that ignore women’s rights aren’t worth your vote. Retrieved from http:// www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-2014-elections-parties-that-ignore-women-s-rights-aren-t-worth-your-vote-1961722

Recommendations of the mandal commission. (1993). Retrieved from http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/1869/14/ 15_appendix.pdf

Singh, R. (2010). Women’s reservation (108th constitutional amendment) bill. Retrieved from http://www.isidelhi.org.in/wl/article/ rakesh1602.pdf

Tandoh-Offin, P. (2010). Women’s legislative representation and gender equality: What works in the absence of a “Critical Mass” (Policy Studies). Clemson University.

Thakur, A. (2014). Women voters in India want to stand up and be counted. Retrieved from http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2013/01/ 21/women-voters-in-india-want-to-stand-up-and-be-counted/

Welcome to election commission of India. (2009). Retrieved from http://eci.nic.in/eci_main1/ElectionStatistics.aspx

Women in politics (2014). Retrieved from http://www.ipu.org/pdf/publications/wmnmap14_en.pdf

16 Women Politicians since 1975– a Bollywood Way

NalandaTambe Freelance Journalist Women Planet [email protected]

Bollywood and Politics have reigned in India since times immemorial.

Today, we can see a common man either talking about it failed to show or say, emphasize the politics in it. politics or about films and superstars. Both areas are The movie revolved around the emotional attacks intrinsic to people’s lives and they give completion which Suchitra Sen faces after meeting her husband to it. Both these spheres defining a major part of our Sanjeev Kumar after years of separation. While lives are dynamic and constantly discussed upon. politics is shown as just a profession of the woman Media becomes the communicator which connects in this film, the main focus goes into highlighting a common man to outer world, changing every now her personal troubled love life. On the other side, an and then. aspect of this film states that she aspires to become a politician like her father and she moves on to However, Indian political system has witnessed many achieve her dream. But at the same time again she is crucial phases in the past right from the period of presented in a bad light as she gets separated with Independence and to explain one such post- her husband to live her life as a politician. A independence era would be that of 1975 when the conveniently structured platform was put on the fore then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi which side-lined the plot of a successful woman implemented the state of Emergency. Also on the politician’s career. other hand Indian cinema was on the path of growth wherein newer concepts like widow remarriages, Gradually politics-based films starring women women empowerment, encouragement to girls’ politicians started flashing on the silver screens of education etc. were not only introduced but gradually Bollywood, but when it came to Indian women; she accepted wholeheartedly. The whole post- had to be portrayed as being quintessential by nature independence period was characterized by frequent even if she is a successful actress. changes shaping consciously the cultural and political environment of India. Certain kinds of generalizations and stereotypes came into play when it was concerned with ‘the It was then when film industry took its first step to other’. touch politics in a more magnanimous and magnificent way. The first film of Gulzar, Aandhi In the film God Mother (1999) directed by Vinay (1975) portraying a woman protagonist (Suchitra Shukla, based on a real life story, the talented actress Sen) as a politician, was based on the life of Indira Shabana Azmi played a wonderful lead role Gandhi. This film however underwent many justifying the character of Santokben Jadeja who ran controversies regarding its release and censorship the Mafia operations of Porbandar, Gujarat in the issues then and also was banned after 20 weeks of late 1980s and early 1990s and later turned politician. its release (Salam, 2013). The plot still remained against the woman protagonist as she can be a good daughter, sister, Critics opine that although this movie was directed wife, and mother but not a mafia leader. Such kinds brilliantly by using the best cinematography of women characters are appreciated by people only highlighting certain emotional scenes fantastically, on screens and have lesser support than otherwise

17 when it comes to reality. Today if a girl wants to leader is side-tracked. Indian film industry depicts join politics, she is bombarded with thousands of women as politicians but at the same time it doesn’t questions by society. A prominent reason guiding this fail to include love and Bollywood Masala into it to is the conditioning that leads to portraying women increase the viewership. Though, at face value that as being restricted and brought up in a protective can be provided as a justification for attracting environment. audience’ viewership, it also has a stronger connection with the societal conditioning and deep- The film Satta (2003) demonstrates a bold wife seated conventional values regarding women. Firstly, (Raveena Tandon), who fights elections on behalf politics is shown as the profession of women of her husband. In this Madhur Bhandarkar film, protagonist which gets overlooked to a great extent again many sacrifices and traumas are portrayed in as her love life emphasizing tragedies, emotions and her life as allegations are put forward by her in-laws sacrifices is focused extravagantly. Secondly, either of having affairs with other men which was they are portrayed harshly but in a positive role apparently possible due to her active public life. fighting for the justice or as a corrupt politician using Moralizing women in our country is a daily affair people for her selfish interests. and hence when it comes to symbolizing them as politicians, it becomes harder to accept such a reality. In films like Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (2013) and Gulab Gang (2014), women politicians (Shabana Seeing the other side of a coin, if it is politics versus Azmi and Juhi Chawla) are portrayed in negative love then the latter always wins in Bollywood. roles, as corrupt. In any situation, whatever may be Instances of the same are in movies like Rajneeti the role, a woman has to struggle to show her (2010) and Ranjhana (2013) where politics comes importance – this remains the flavor of the silver secondary when compared with love. The whole plot screen. Since its inception 100 years ago, commercial circulates around the love story sidelining the cinema has always been one of the biggest significance of politics in women’s decision of indigenous industries in India and remains so in the setting priorities. In Rajneeti, Katrina Kaif doesn’t post-globalization era, when the Indian economy has seem to be passionate about being a politician unless entered a new phase of global participation, her husband (Arjun Rampal) dies in a bomb blast. liberalization and expansion. Issues of community, Throughout the movie she is shown entangled in her gender, society, social and economic justice, secular one-sided love for Ranbir Kapoor, younger brother nationhood and ethnic identity are nowhere more of Arjun Rampal. Apart from this, the movie portrays explored in the Indian cultural mainstream than in some scenes towards the end wherein she swears as commercial cinema. From the black and white films a political leader and campaigns but its effects don’t to colour movies, even if the Indian cinema has seem more appealing, owing to element of sacrifice evolved in a big way, today it continuous to retain in love made for Ranbir Kapoor, dominating the plot. its basic essence – entertain, entertain and entertain Also in Ranjhana, the love story takes over the movie (Kaur, 2013). Hence, there is a necessity of change and Sonam Kapoor’s dream of becoming a political in perception and attitude towards women for a better and safe society.

References:

Kaur, J. (2013, June 13). India & you - The world’s window to India. Retrieved from Media India Group in Cinema: https:// mediaindiagroup.wordpress.com/tag/women-in-100-years-of-indian-cinema/ Salam, Z. U. (2013, May 24). Aandhi (1975). Retrieved from The Hindu: http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/ aandhi-1975/article4742988.ece Sharma, G. (2011, March 8). Bollywood’s iconic portrayal of women. Retrievedfrom The Times of India: http:// timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Bollywoods-iconic-portrayal-of-women/articleshow/ 7646781.cms Verma, E. (2013, August 27). Ladies special: Changing role of women in hindi cinema. Retrieved from Pandolin: http:// www.pandolin.com/ladies-special-changing-role-women-hindi-cinema/

18 Women in Politics Nimisha Amit Mishra Freelancer M.Sc. (Home Science) (Extension & Education) Banaras Hindu University amitcb2gmail.com

“There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of the women is improved. It is not possible for the bird to fly on one wing”. - Anonymous

Women constitute nearly 50 percent of the population Panchayat, their socio-economic characteristics, of the world, but when it comes to their representation reasons for women to contest, women’s awareness at higher level of political positions in the in Panchayati Raj etc. government; they account for only less than 10 One group of studies shows that PRIs headed by percent. Poor representation of women is not specific women have not only made an impact on grass-root to the political domain alone but is also reflected in governance, it has also shattered many of the the administrative as well as managerial positions supposed myths such as inability to handle power where women constitute only 14 percent of their total and responsibility outside their homes. There is population. visible improvement in the administration and The landmark, 73rd Amendment to the Constitution delivery of services at Gram Panchayat level mainly of India has definitely sought to empower women in or of greater focus on the basic needs of people, terms of numbers. From the miniscule figure of 2-4 greater transparency, greater reliance on horizontal percent in majority of Indian states, the amendment linkages and greater participation of people has for the first time brought 30-40 percent rural particularly women members of the community. women in decision-making. The 15th LokSabha elections held in 2009 delivered The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1993 a record of 59 women as Members of Parliament, have created space for women in political the highest since Independence raising their participation and decision-making at grass-root level parliamentary participation to 10.9% in the country by reserving one-third of the seats all over the and in the 16th LokSabha elections held in 2014 country. Today women occupy more than 42 percent delivered a record of 61 women as Members of of seats in local bodies. Around 14 states have now Parliament, raising their parliamentary participation passed legislation reserving at least 50 percent seats to 11.2% in the country. for women. Equality of rights between men and women must be In the aftermath of successive elections to Panchayati enshrined as fundamental principle. Legal, economic Raj Institutions (PRIs) in various states of the country and cultural barriers that prevent the exercise of several studies have been conducted evaluating the equal rights should be identified and removed experiment of women representation and through policy reforms. participation in Panchayat. These comprise both This gender inequality which is of concern to the theoretical and practical analysis of participation in issue of human development the world over is also terms of role of elected women members in

19 manifested in many other forms. Women often work Sodexo India has set a target to take total percentage longer hours as compared to men, but much of their of women employees from the current 16 percent to work is undervalued rather putting it straight, 20 percent by the end of financial year 2015. unvalued and unrecognized. To top it all, the threat The process of bringing in women to the mainstream of violence accompanies them from cradle to grave of political decision-making process has begun with (Human Development Report 1995 (iii)). the reservation of 33 percent of seats at the lowest Regional variations regarding the number of women level of governance viz PRIs and local bodies. There in political decision-making do exist which range are no such provisions either in the State Legislatures from 37.6 percent in the Nordic countries to a paltry or Parliament. However even after much debate, the 3.5 percent in Arab World. In countries, where bottleneck over reserving seats for women in women are well represented in political ground, they Parliament to 33 percent is vivid and the proposal are in a position to address the issues, able to amend has remained in limbo for long time. and make laws of significance through policy In other words, despite the gradual increase in reforms concerning their gender in their favour. number of women participating in the election, No wonder Nordic countries have better quality of women still constitute a very small percentage of life, better education and medical facilities and total number of contestants. longer life span all which confirm that women in The participatory upsurge witnessed among women politics look more towards holistic and all-round as voters in the 1990’s reached its peak in the general development. elections held in 2014.Their participation in the Women across the globe have fought for equality, electoral process as voters has steadily increased dignity and freedom against what they call inequality, from 46.6% in 1962 to around 65.7% this year. The oppression and subordination. Stereotypical roles difference among voter turnout among men and assigned to women and men have conditioned them women as wide as 16.7% in 1962 has narrowed to about their capabilities. Women’s political decision- 1.5 percent in 2014. making have been viewed as inevitable in dealing The reservation for 33 percent seats for women in with various forms of oppression, and so, in PRI’s in 1990’s gave women a sense of sharing power improving their status we need to rejuvenate all with men equally. It acted as a catalyst and got much efforts to add new dimensions to these traditional needed momentum which resulted in upsurge of roles of women. women voters. The highest voter turnout among The public-private sphere politics has affected women in the selection could be due to many reasons representation and participation of women in but the intense voter awareness campaigns of defining a political environment. At least with a election commission and door-to-door campaigns by procedural provision of reservation, the amount of political parties are the most plausible determinants respect given to participation in public politics has to explain this phenomenon. changed substantially, thus acting as one of the Freedom struggle saw active participation of women sources of encouragement. who fought shoulder to shoulder along with men. Gender discrimination will really be diminished Mahatma Gandhi was one person who played an when women are connected with the economy of important role in promoting participation of women our nation. Major companies like Sodexo India, in politics. Gandhi was one of the strongest Fluor Engineering, and Pitney Bowes Global proponents of getting women participated in freedom Technology etc. follow a practice of replacing a struggle and to connect women with the main stream female employee with another female. and national spirit.

20 Post-Independence, there has not been much done ultimate exclusion from mainstream, mostly to accommodate women in the public sphere, or leave consensual. alone any level calling for political decision-making. We already have means but either we fail to see the Overworked with the family structure, structural and light of the day which calls for an active approach social constraints and private obligations, skill coupled with mass awareness to improve and sharpen development among women took a backseat. The their potential. lack of will and political awareness led to their

References:

Rai, P. (2014). Imbalanced participation of women. Reuters.

Singh, R.K. (2013). Participation of women in gram panchayats: A review of literature. Women’s Link, 19(3), 19-25.

Singla, P. (2007). Women’s participation in panchayati raj. Jaipur: Rawat.

Women in Politics: Representation and Empowerment

Parvin Sultana Assistant Professor Goalpara College, Assam. [email protected]

Women’s representation and their presence in active politics are seen as a potential to ensure political engagement of women. Apart from an increase in political awareness amongst women, their presence in large number in legislatures will ensure that women’s policy issues are more likely to reach campaign agenda. It will also ensure that more women-friendly policies are passed in the legislature.

The need to look into the existing institutional mechanisms to ensure women’s empowerment is a must for patriarchal societies. In countries like India, women are systemically kept out of mainstream. Gendered spaces often tend to push women back to private spaces where their discrimination and exploitation go unnoticed. Sexual violence, dowry deaths, domestic violence etc. continue despite having a large number of laws to prohibit them. Hence having women in powerful political position would serve a symbolic purpose to do away with myths like “politics is a man’s game”. It would put women in charge of issues that affect them.

Indian society continues to represent contradictory trends. While India has only 11% women in the Parliament, UAE has 22.5% and the representation of women leaders in grass-root levels has reached almost 50%. Panchayats have been the bedrock of heralding more women into politics. Malnourished, suppressed, uneducated, violated and discriminated against, the Indian women have the odds stacked against them. Still they have come out and participated in electoral politics in large number in these elections.

While women leaders in Panchayats are often called proxies of their husbands or other male members of their families, the very presence of a larger number of women in Panchayats is encouraging. They have also taken

21 initiatives on crucial fronts like education, health, patriarchal societies they seem to be a good first step. sanitation etc. Studies, however, show that only While the goal of gender equality has been lauded where there has been the inception of reservation, in many international agreements, including have more women succeeded in getting into active Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), many political participation at least procedurally, if not governments lack meaningful female participation. substantive always. This points out to our need to Increased female representation in governmental institutionalize women’s presence at almost every institutions and decision-making bodies is crucial for level for providing better chances of representation. the overall empowerment of women. The 1995 There has been a tendency of political parties to keep Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women women in the margins. Women candidates are often recommended that the international community and fielded in constituencies where the chances of the civil society take strategic action in order to winning are slim. When women win they are often reduce inequality between men and women in power- relegated to the women’s wing of the party, and made sharing and decision-making. But the process has to concentrate on what are seen as specifically been slow and has achieved uneven results women’s issues such as dowry and rape cases. Such worldwide. compartmentalization instead of making women’s While some countries have reached up to 30% seats issues mainstream pushes women back to certain for women, it is mainly due to the availability of constraining boundaries. quota system. But such mechanisms have their However a welcome trend of greater turnout of limitations. According to United Nations (UN), no female voters is a fact. Female voters’ turnout has quantitative analysis is available to measure the been steadily rising. According to Mukulika length and breadth of women’s participation in Bannerjee this assertion is a result of the realization decision-making owing to mere increased statistical that while in every sphere women are told to behave facts of representation. How far has it led to in a particular way, voting is one instance in which empowerment of women is a question worth asking. women get to register their own opinion. This is also Moreover, securing parliamentary seats through accentuated by empowerment of women. Another quotas is only the first part of a long process of reason has been the reservation of seats for women recognizing women. There is a tendency of political in Panchayats. It has actually led to politicization of parties to treat quotas as ceilings and not floors. women. Hence number of women is often limited to what is allowed by quota system. There is no active Women have a poor 11% representation in Indian encouragement to raise the representation, except for Parliament which puts it in 108th rank among 188 some women of certain particular family countries, way beyond India’s neighbors like backgrounds who find it easier to get a grip easily in Pakistan and Bangladesh. “According to Vibhuti politics. Patel, economist and President of Women Power Connect, highly patriarchal societies like The voters are equally worthy of blame for the low Afghanistan also have a reservation mechanism in representation of women in India. To bolster that, place. She further asserts that proper representation political parties continue to have the notion that is possible only through a quota regime. Many women cannot be relied upon to win elections, European Union (EU) countries like France, Belgium despite India’s history of the presence of strong and Germany and other countries like Egypt, Iraq women leaders on the political front. Since and Nepal have provided quotas for women legally, ‘winnability’ is the only criteria for political parties, using systematic legislative provisions”. it is not surprising that they tend to field far fewer women than men as candidates for an election. Even While quota system continues to be contentious, in

22 Indian voters have a bias against women candidates affirmative action, i.e. to include more women in at least at the local Gram Panchayat elections. A political process. The first step can be quota system Harvard University survey of such local body polls for women candidates. Such implementation shows in West Bengal found villagers consistently rating a clear change in voters’ outlook on the effectiveness women candidates below men. The general of women voters. Hence while starting with misogynist perception has been that women leaders reservation; there is also a need for sensitization of are not as effective as men in taking decisions and people regarding such issues. Only then can we framing policies. expect women to participate in politics meaningfully and representation will translate into empowerment Gender inequality starts from the attitudes of people. of women. The way to mitigate this discrimination is through

References:

Kably, L. (2013, Nov 26). Women have only 11% representation in India’s parliament. The Times of India. Karp, J. A. & Banducci, S. A. (2008). When politics is not just a man’s game: Women’s representation and political engagement. Science Direct Electoral Studies, 27, 105-115. Patel, A. (2014, April, 16). India’s politicians aren’t listening to women. BBC News India Representation in the political process. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.globalization101.org/representation-in-the-political-process. Sarangi, S. & Jha, C. K. (2014, April 22). Gender bias in Indian elections. The Hindu Business Line. Women’s participation in politics: India ranks 98th. (2011, March 8). The Hindu.

23 Declivity of Women – is it Politically “Correct”? Shikha Sharma Freelancer M. A. (Political Science) Youth Coordinator, Sahiyar (Stree Sangathan), Baroda [email protected]

In the era of globalization and modernization, the More or less such kinds of impulsive comments show developmental criteria are not only limited to the the rigidities of a patriarchal system conveniently globalized structure but also affects the day to day marginalizing woman and disallowing her to be lives of individuals and activities. We must then, expressive, contemplative and free. indeed, talk about a situation wherein women are Centuries have come and gone and women have affected or say, neglected in reaping the benefits of vulnerably suffered much discrimination at various development, and in social terms, progress. When a levels, be it sexual abuse, physical and psychological decision regarding “her” is taken by the male member violence within the family, humiliation, rapes, of the family, when she is bound to be fragile and emotional threats, trafficking and control over speech completely dependent on her father, husband and and action. later on her son, when a woman is not allowed to take decisions but everyone has the right to debate While the highlighted crimes grab eyeballs, non- about her, a common concern of justice underlies highlighted ones vanish with time. The recent source them, wherein social, cultural, political and of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) suggests psychological barriers don’t allow her to think out that there are 43.6% cruelty by husband or his of the shell, the soaring truth is comments made on relative, 18.6% assault on women with intent to women, on her chastity by the politically “correct” outrage her modesty, trafficking and abduction claimants. Provocative, insensitive and baseless 15.7% and rape 10.2% , dowry death 3.8% and so comments on incidents of grave concern such as on… the unending list stays. rapes, sexual assaults etc. showcasing errant comments and portraying deplorable standards have The recent news article in TOI “One rape every thirty become the order of the day. Their derogatory minutes in India” on 29th July 2014, as reported by a comments victimize the victims instead of Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) recognizing the accused and punishing them. At a analysis, showed cases between 2001 and 2013. It time when the rape survivors are already fighting said that 2,64,130 rapes were reported in 28 states with problems like social censure, delayed justice, during the 13-year period; an average of almost 56 societal pressure; it is shameful to witness these rapes per day. It’s hard to digest the fact that many comments and attitude adding fuel to the fire of victims are being ignominiously raped or sexually misogyny. assaulted which do not even grab any focus like that of “Nirbhaya”. This should force one to think The question here is who entitled them to make such sensitively. derogatory comments on women. It seems like it is a trending fashion when the public speakers and Policies and schemes are made to eradicate many political leaders dastardly go on with their rants. In such severe issues. But are they truly reliable? While public sphere it presents a ruptured image of a some have shown productive results, there are other woman.

24 schemes which have not yielded the desired results. Most of all, the marginalized women themselves are Schemes like Sabla, Ujjwala, and Indira Gandhi unaware of such schemes. Matritva Sahyog Yojana (it is a conditional cash transfer scheme) are some of the major schemes These problems of patriarchal structures of society, successfully working towards improving health and economy and polity can only be eradicated by nutrition status and facilitating access to learning and challenging them collectively. A radical constructive public services through guidance at Anganwadi thought-process and mindset is needed. Depiction Centers. Ujjwala aims at preventing trafficking and of women in vulgar ways using diverse tools like provides rescue and rehabilitation to the victims of language, media and similar overt and covert trafficking. On the other hand, schemes like Swadhar propaganda machinery, should be thoroughly address the vulnerabilities of women by providing discouraged so much so that the survivors of crime shelter, food, clothing, clinical and legal aids. don’t feel deplorable. Women who survive and fight Pressure groups with lot of struggles manage to bring back should be revered. It calls for an immediate in such schemes and substantial resources have been and intense moral excavation of self-respect. allotted for the same, however little impact is visible.

References:

10 Bizzare comments made by politicians on women. (2014, June 8.). The Times of India. Shukkur, S. (2014). Gender justice in India. Paper presented at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Women and children. (2014). Mathrubhumi Yearbook Plus

25 BOOK REVIEW The Other Side of Silence: Voices from the Partition of India

The other side of silence: Voices from the partition of India Urvashi Butalia. Penguin Books, New Delhi, 1998. pp. 371, Rs- 1440/-

The partition of India – into two separate states disputes and their namely India and Pakistan on the basis of religion contradictory and hate- on the eve of the Indian sub-continent’s freedom from filled versions of the British rule is remembered as a cataclysmic event ‘other’. The partition that transformed the lives of innumerable people in was about ‘people’ – unprecedented ways. The after effects of the division people on both sides who of Indian sub-continent can be felt even today as we had to leave their homes and undertake an reel under tensions, running along the lines of extremely painful religion, ethnicity, language and community. The journey of dislocation, partition was not simply a division of land and search for a new identity property or a demarcation of lifeless boundaries; it to an unknown land – was rather an event that had far reaching purportedly created in consequences on the life and history of people of their very name. South Asia. Works on partition related history have Butalia’s work on this historical event stand out from majorly documented statistical details such as the among the enormous literature on this issue for a number of people killed, dislocated, maimed or very simple reason that it looks at partition from the rendered homeless. The versions of partition that prism of people and their sufferings. Employing a historical accounts offer to us are often laid out with qualitative, interview-based, oral historical approach, disconnected figures, official accounts and statist the focus is on smaller and invisible players of representations that are plain manifestations of an partition, whom mainstream history and politics have attempt to providing an empirical reality. Memories sidelined – namely ordinary people, women, of the partition majorly revolve around the creation children, schedule castes (pp – 11). Rarely would of two independent states and the enmity among you discover a work on partition that so effortlessly weaved the stories and sufferings of common people major religious communities. These serve as on both sides of the border. Surprisingly, though the important yet a skewed picture of the poignancy of most affected lot in the partition were the people of the scenario as a whole, and somehow relegate India and Pakistan, their accounts and experiences people’s experiences to the background. were found missing from mainstream partition It is this limitation in the historical representation literature. This, in essence, is the triumph of the that Butalia’s seminal and first of its kind work author’s attempt in relocating, re-describing and addresses, as it traces the voices and stories of people reproducing the phenomena of partition from the lens who were impacted by the creation of India and of those, for whom it served as a life-changing event. Pakistan. The politics surrounding the partition was Presently, there have been many attempts carried out, not merely about two newly-created states, their at recording the voices of the generation that went

26 through this trauma of partition, in the form of of the ‘uncomfortable’ associations with partition. projects that have used technology to build a recall Butalia talks about a deliberate amnesic dealing of value to that era. However, Butalia’s work which events that constituted partition which conveniently was published in the year 1998 stands out as a brave sidelined certain questions. She says, “Who would and singular attempt at charting the unknown, untold wish to remember the gender-based violence that and unfrequented ‘histories’ and politics of the event. accompanied the creation of India and Pakistan - the In a narrative that is told through the use of stories rape, the abduction and the forceful conversion of and personal accounts, Butalia offers to the readers, countless women, the rejection of women a gendered telling of the partition (pp – 16). Her work rehabilitated back to their homes, the abandonment seeks to constantly regenerate an alternate method of young children and the consequent erosion of the of historicizing partition, by questioning the very fabric of a society and its culture.’’ These are mainstream and the macro accounts of history among the few questions that are vividly dealt with, furnished from the dominant official statist in the book. At the heart of this work lies the perspective. She asks if there is some way in which uncovering of an indescribable silence that persists history can make space for the small, the individual in society – a silence that has been marginalized and voice (pp – 13). Along with the use of interviews as needs to be addressed. A total of eight chapters in primary data sources, she has also looked at the work deal with the memories and experiences of secondary sources such as the government records, sections that were ‘othered’ in the realm of partition newspaper reports, memoirs and diaries; to come up and its consequences, namely – women, children, with a comprehensive and eye-opening reality of an marginalized sections of the society like Dalits and event that still continues to shape the ongoing scheduled castes. These experiences have been aptly discourse on religion, communalism and identity in captured throughout the work. the sub-continent. Thus the prime focus or the undercurrent of the narrative is to destabilize and Through a journey in which the author has uncovered shatter the concept of an objective history. It thereby, the many silences surrounding the partition, the most seeks to unsettle the illusion surrounding partition significant one deals with notions associated with history that has been usually studied and recorded. women’s honour and the violence inflicted on them, on account of it. There is no doubt that the partition She also successfully shatters the illusion was violent, but the most affected of all were women surrounding history and objectivity. How can on both sides. people’s experiences, their sufferings be presented objectively? Would it not be a disservice to the The notion of ‘purity’, ‘honour’ and ‘protection of trauma they underwent? These and other disturbing one’s faith’ was attached to women. Not only were questions are raised throughout the work, eventually women subjected to violence from outsiders, they persuading the reader to question one’s own were also a victim of violence within families. Many understanding of the partition. women readily gave up their lives in order to protect patriarchal notions associated with family and The work also comes across as an extremely personal religious honour. A severe critique of this practice is account, laced with narratives of those who actually subtly expressed in Butalia’s work. witnessed the partition and struggled to deal with the bitter reality of having to leave their homes. These The book is based on the theme of partition-based direct accounts of what people went through bring, violence and attaches importance to personal to the reader, an ‘alternative’ understanding of the experiences of the same. It however fails to partition: something that we may not find in official adequately present that side of the partition which versions of the same and history textbooks. The effort provided hopes to millions of people as they passed is to uncover the silence shrouded in speech, memory, through this juggernaut. The bonds and friendships healing, pain, violence, identity and even a disregard that got nurtured during this period and stayed on

27 with people even as barbed wires separated them in the body politic of India and Pakistan. It will are brought to the fore only towards the end of the continue to affect the lives of people and shape their book. If the partition was about people who identities in times to come. It will also determine mercilessly killed each other, then it was also about the future course of relations between the two people who crossed religious barriers to lend a nations. While some may view it with extreme negativity; the reality of partition has to be eventually helping hand to the ‘other’. It is this narrative of accepted and lived with. It is time that we reconciled humanity that is missing in the narration of events with this reality. Even today, the partition of India that sought to refurbish the histories associated with continues to be explored from varying scholarly the partition. The articulation of a bitter reality leads dimensions – history, literature, sociology and to losing sight of a glimmer of hope that sustains politics. It is, however, works such as this that brings human bonds even today. out the underlying sentiments of people who were As an event, the partition shall remain ever etched associated with this momentous event.

Contents: Beginnings – Blood – ‘Facts’ – Women – ‘Honour’ – Children – ‘Margins’ – Memory

Reviewed by: Nidhi Shendurnikar-Tere Senior Research Fellow (UGC-SRF) Dept. of Political Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda [email protected]

Political Participation and Status of Indian Women

Raakhee Suryaprakash Founder-Director Sunshine Millennium [email protected]

As India and the world battle the pandemic of violence against women and a societal backlash against them taking up non-traditional roles as well as due to residual patriarchal and misogynistic attitudes ingrained into the societal psyche, one needs to look at checks and balances to this dangerous attitude. One way perhaps, in which this backlash could be controlled if not curbed, is to allow more empowered women voices into decision- making and the male-dominated and power-drenched arena of politics.

According to United Nations (UN) “equal participation of women in decision-making is a question of justice and democracy. . . . to reflect everybody’s need.” Thus in addition to caste, communal, and religious politics, come gender politics.

28 Indian women have been involved in ushering in a foothold. The taste of power could in time truly change and development in India throughout history. empower rural Indian women. Indian women were a major part of the freedom In national politics: struggle – the Civil Disobedience, the Dandi March, the Quit India Movement; they even trained • Menaka Gandhi, prominent animal rights alongside Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National activist, and elder daughter-in-law of the Army (INA) in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. Despite Congress first family, and now prominent a regressive environment, Indian women managed Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) member was sworn to secure the right to vote and shape India’s in as Indian Union Cabinet Minister for Women constitutional right when the nation was born in & Child Development. 1947. Nearly 67 years down the line, despite poor • The youngest Union Minister is BJP Vice representation and the repeated shelving of the President Smriti Irani with the portfolio Human Women’s Reservation Bill we have had a woman Resource Development (HRD). President, a woman Prime Minister, and many • The oldest minister is Ms. Najma Heptulla – women Chief Ministers (at present there are 4 women the Minister for Minority Affairs. Chief Ministers among India’s 29 State • The powerful Cabinet rank portfolio of External Governments: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, & Affairs belongs to BJP senior leader Smt. West Bengal). Personally I think our greatest political Sushma Swaraj. victory other than securing the right to vote has been • securing 33 percent reservation in Panchayati Raj Sumitra Mahajan, is the second woman leader to be elected Speaker of the LokSabha from BJP Institutions – India’s local grass-root institutions. and the first woman Speaker being Ms. Meira Though procedural, it’s a victory nevertheless, Kumar from the Congress Party. celebrated annually since 1994 as Women’s Political • Empowerment Day on April 24th. Despite Ms. Anandiben Patel is the current Chief Sarpanchpatis and the rubber-stamp nature of some Minister of Gujarat. of these women winning from reserved seats is still

29 When gender comes into play in conjunction with regional politics then there are some unique results: Tamil Nadu went to polls on Women’s Political Empowerment Day 2014! Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha’s from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) won 37 out of the Tamil Nadu’s 39 LokSabha seats. Another similar story is the 33 seats that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) won in West Bengal led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Internationally only 5.9 percent of heads of the state ownership of land with their male partners, whether are women. Yet when women are in position of they are married or not. According to FAO, providing power, at many instances, actions that are beneficial female farmers access to the same resources as men both to society and the environment are taken. could reduce the number of hungry people in the Sustainable development and women’s leadership world by 100-150 million people. And when women are linked. Cases such as that of Nobel Peace Prize- earn more and have better rights, they tend to invest winner Wangari Maathai who won for her more in the health and nutrition of their families. contribution to sustainable development, democracy, Across rural China as well, women are slowly but and peace. The first Tang Prize (touted to be Asian surely stepping out of their traditional roles and into “Nobel”) winner was former Norwegian Prime positions of power. The United Nations Democracy Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland known as the Fund is sponsoring pilot projects to develop skills “godmother” of sustainable development stands in women taking on leadership roles. significant. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky founder of the According to Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at- Theosophical Society, whose international Large for Global Women’s Issues, Food and headquarters is in my home town Chennai said, ‘‘way Agriculture Organization (FAO), “In many back in the nineteenth century that the world will developing countries, women are the backbone of thrive only when its women do’’. Similarly, “India the economy, yet women farmers do not have equal access to resources and this significantly limits their will become a superpower when her women are potential in enhancing productivity.” But empowered.” Here’s hoping that women across board encouraging experiences can be found, such as in find their voices in political and economic decisions- Brazil, where women have joint title to land, as part ushering in a better world built by sustainable of innovative land reform policies, giving them equal development.

30 References:

China: Women leaders. (n.d.). Retrieved from the UN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3jX3jVFVak Nierenberg, D. (n.d.). The future of family farming: Empowerment and equal rights for women and youth. Retreived from http:// www.fao.org/fsnforum/forum/discussions/family-farming/. Suryaprakash, R. (2014). India’s women – Struggling for equality in peace & conflict. Paper presented at the Conference on Women in War, Sarajevo June 7-8, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVYmmmtINb4 UN Women. (2014). Retrieved from Facebook page posts, https://www.facebook.com/unwomen.

31 Reimagining Politics of Gender: Legacy of Dr. Sharmila Rege

Rahul Mane Research Associate Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad [email protected], [email protected]

As we mark the first death anniversary of Sharmila globalization and its impact might do to our society; Rege (7th October 1964 - 13th July 2013), there are she started challenging us about our own pressing issues at hand which require attention from understanding of our perspectives about gender thinkers and readers of Women’s Studies and beyond. issues, lying at the core of it all; even in scholarly Dr. Sharmila, through her entire life fought for domain (Rege. 2003). Through this approach, opening up a dialogue about the “silenced” spaces Dr. Rege has argued for addressing ‘old questions in Indian history, society and democracy at large. of visibility’ and also ‘the need of conceptualizing Her constant investigation of Indian caste system, differences’. Also, she highlighted role of migrations, Indian higher education and her constant search for environmental crisis, cultural impacts of capital, role “Conscious Praxis” in Indian pedagogy makes her of Information and Communications Technologies unique figure amongst contemporary Indian thinkers. (ICTs), distinct patterns of stratification in She not only questioned and bulldozed-embedded aggravating women`s issues and effectively gender alliance of prejudice, ignorance but also provided issues. ammunition in terms of future road-map through her Traditional scholarship of feminist studies has dealt scholarship, provocative dialogue and persistent with epistemology, methodology and method to guidance to hundreds of students. organize knowledge, investigate issues at hand and further intervene in contemporary debates to build Dr. Rege through her scrutiny of contemporary India up a theory of knowledge regarding women’s issues. and its educational practices provided lenses to Though aim of research is contribution to knowledge imagine the plight of not only Dalit Women but also and application of the same to solve specific problem, privileged upper caste women, working women and larger aim of research in the realm of critical realism lesbians. She marshalled individual and community is visualized as “emancipatory mission”. Evolution standpoints to argue for each deprivation and aimed of Feminist/Women’s Studies has successfully at integrating all those investigations into one grand established the notion that “personal is not social, narrative which believed in “enlightened offense” it’s political.” Sprague (2005) has identified rather than waiting for “inert empowerment” as challenges in methodologies in this field of studies traditional academia in India got used to regarding in terms of “abstract generalization and logical women issues with its fragmented understanding objectification” as the cornerstones. Sprague also about “WHO WOMEN OF INDIA ARE” and identified methodological schizophrenia troubling “TO WHOM THEY REPRESENT”. In doing so, she the enquiries of this scholarship. I think, Dr. Rege had redrawn maps and boundaries between “public did rise to the occasion to fill in this massive vacuum and private”, “reason and emotion” with legitimacy and thus helped the global scholarship to defeat the to “personal experience” as a legitimate area of larger “intellectual schizophrenia”. So, what is so intellectual engagement (Rege, 1995). What is unique about Dr. Rege`s work that it stands amongst unique about her contribution is that at a time when the legends of the writers? Let us understand it as the Indian society started to understand what follows.

32 After Harding‘s (2004) elaboration about Standpoint showed limitations of positivism in a way that, it Epistemology, Dr. Rege‘s work stand out with her failed to come out of logically grounded positions unique insight about historical realities of Indian sub- of materiality of bodies. Thus began the era to continent. These realities—differentiated and varied uncover, unravel, and deconstruct the rootedness of in nature; hold mirror to worldwide scholarship on women in different cultures, geographies, regions. feminism, women‘s studies and lately gender studies. Rege changed approaches towards Women`s Studies. Her legendary work actually remains in the Dr. Rege`s originality lies in the fact that she development and consolidation of Dalit Feminist transcended all abstract, symbolic and metaphoric Standpoint by using Sharad Patil‘s epistemology of criticisms and came out with anthropologically Marxvaad, Phule-Ambedkarvaad (Rege, 2000). She grounded critic of Women`s Studies and made a had deployed “powerful resource of intersectionality strong case to usher into Gender Studies. She of caste, class and gender domination”, as described exposed “hidden women” towards sociological gaze by herself in 2000. While maintaining that it is not (Rege, 2003). Her focus of investigation was: an individual or subjective position but as a a) Absence of women in cognitive structures of contingent “transformation of complex subject discipline positions”, Rege clearly outlines the challenges we have to face in contemporary times about layers and b) Focusing on differential sex roles and gender layers of “graded inequality” of women & gender inequalities in society issues across the different sectors of life. In this article, my effort is to open up towards those different c) Moving towards conceptualization of gender as layers. I may not contribute something substantial, social structure but wish to think aloud on this moment as we d) Realization of intrinsic linkages between gender remember Dr. Rege. and other matrices of social inequalities

Historically Collins, Frierie, Hooks, Sprague & By using major four interrogative techniques derived Hayes; through their writings resisted from realizations expressed above, she successfully “objectification” of the masses and “abstract built up a discourse around social stratification of generalizations” about the situation of the gender and further she deepened that by introducing communities in development discourse. In a way debates about inevitability of gender as a site, contribution of these scholars really convinced us medium, agency for all emancipatory struggles. that knowledge is not guaranteed reflector of While constructing the building blocks of this contemporary reality. Rege argued that we should pedagogy, she led from the front in confronting approach culturally loaded subjectivity of divisions between public and private, between reason investigators to arrive at their explanations about the and emotion. She formulated and spread the ways interaction of religion, gender, caste, politics, and through which this pedagogy can be practiced other equally important issues. She challenged (Rege 1995). traditional and contemporary scholarship and thus engineered a new era to teach us how one should These pedagogical practices are: approach the women`s issues to begin with and how • Enduring connectedness to the living and to reflect upon the embedded structures which have concrete not been presented with conjectures in truly Indian contexts, let alone refutations. • Emphasis on participation and interaction

Nancy Hardstock, Donna Haraway, Dorothy Smith, • Collaboration and co-operation and Patricia Collins demolished the superficial • Teaching with a vision approaches to understand the “Women”. They

33 Dr. Rege’s untiring and dedicated efforts are yielding think originally Dr. Rege strived to do. Rege helped fruits. In a recent monograph, Menon (2012) us to understand that differential identities are located expresses: “To see feminist is not to stabilize, it is to hierarchically as dominant or subordinate, both of destabilize. The more we understand, more our which are product of different times and different horizons shift.” In this book, Menon mentions three spaces. Truly; there are no better words to remember different types of movements namely ecological, Dr. Rege than how her mentor Dr. Dhanagare human rights and political led by Medha Patkar, Irom described after her demise, “Pursuing Knowledge Sharmila and Mayawati respectively. Thus, Menon for Social Transformation”. Let us expand our is making a case to include dimensions other than mental horizons to understand what she stood for inert “womanness” to expand gender debate which I and what her writings envisioned for.

References:

Harding, S. (2004). Standpoint theory as a site of political, philosophic, and scientific debate. In S. Harding (Ed.), The feminist standpoint theory reader, intellectual and political controversies (pp. 1-15). New York: Routledge

Menon, N. (2012). Seeing like a feminist. New Delhi: Zubaan Books

Rege, S. (1995). Feminist pedagogy and sociology for emancipation in India. Sociological Bulletin, 44(2), 223-239

Rege, S. (2000). Real feminism and dalit women. Economic and Political Weekly, 35(6), 492-495.

Rege, S. (2003). Sociology of gender: The challenge of feminist sociological knowledge. New Delhi: Sage Publications.

Rege, S. (2003). More than just tacking women on to the ‘Macropicture’: Feminist contributions to globalization discourses. Economic and Political Weekly, 38(43), 4555-4563.

Sprague, J. (2005). Feminist methodologies for critical researchers: Bridging differences (Gender Lens Series). Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press.

34 drlgp A_¡ fpS>L$pfZ rkÝ^p’® drZepf ‘ÓL$pf, k„v$¡i [email protected] cpfsdp„ fpS>L$pfZ_¡ kp¥\u h^pf¡ \sp¡ A_¡ L$p¡C `Z gpeL$ps_u rhðdp„ cpfs buÅ¡ A¡hp¡ v¡$i lsp¡ S>¡_y„ kyL$p A¡L$ drlgp_p lp\dp„ S>ê$f _ lp¡e s¡hp¡ h¡`pf NZhpdp„ Aph¡ R>¡. S>¡_y„ L$pfZ R>¡ L¡$, lp¡e. kp¥ â\d drlgp hX$pâ^p_ sfuL¡$ kugp¡_ v¡$i_p kufudphp¡ cpfs_p fpS>L$pfZdp„ fpS>L$pfZuAp¡ dpV¡$_u gpeL$psp¡dp„ ¼ep„e Aæepk c„X$$f_pCL¡$A¡ 21du Sy>gpC 1960 \u 27du dpQ® 1965 ky^u v¡$i_u L¡$ `R>u A_ych_u S>ê$fueps lp¡su _\u. Ap fpS>L$pfZuAp¡ Üpfp k¡hp L$fu lsu. Ðepfbpv$ 24du ÅÞeyApfu 1966_p fp¡S> cpfs_p cpfsdp„ sdpd S>ÁepA¡ drlgpAp¡ dpV$¡ 33V$L$p A_pds_u hpsp¡ â\d hX$pâ^p_ S>hplfgpg _l¡ê$_p `yÓu C[Þv$fp Np„^uA¡ â\d L$fhpdp„ Aph¡ R>¡. A_¡ dp¡V$p cpN_u S>ÁepA¡ 33V$L$p A_pds drlgp hX$pâ^p_ sfuL¡$_u S>hpbv$pfu k„cpmu 11 hj® A_¡ 90 v$pMg `Z L$ey® lp¡e s¡hy„ gpNu fley„ R>¡. `f„sy cpfs_p fpS>L$pfZdp„ qv$hk ky^u k¡hpAp¡ `Z Ap`u lsu. `f„sy 1975 \u 1977 ky^u drlgpAp¡_¡ `Z `yê$jp¡ S>¡V$gy„ S> õ\p_ Ap`hpdp„ Aph¡ R>¡. s¡hu 21 drl_p L$V$p¡L$V$u gpv$hp_p r_Z®e bpv$ C[Þv$fp Np„^u_¡ kÑp Ål¡fps dpÓ `p¡L$m lp¡hp_y„ gpNu fley„ R>¡. Nydphhp_p¡ hpfp¡ Apìep¡ lsp¡. `f„sy 1980dp„ afu A¡L$ hMs s¡d_¡ cpfs_p k„rh^p_dp„ drlgpAp¡_¡ 33V$L$p A_pds_u hpsp¡ Ap kÑp `f L$bÅ¡ L$fu hX$pâ^p_ sfuL¡$ k¡hpAp¡ Ap`u. fpS>L$pfZuAp¡ Üpfp dp¡V$p D`pX¡$ L$fhpdp„ Aph¡ R>¡. S>¡dp„ kfL$pfu, C[Þv$fp Np„^u_p hX$pâ^p_ bÞep `R>u ¼epf¡e drlgpAp¡ fpS>L$pfZdp„ A^®kfL$pfu L$Q¡fuAp¡dp„ A_pds_p L$pev$p_y„ `pg_ `Z L$fhpdp„ `pR>u `X$u _\u. A¡ hps AgN R>¡ L¡$, drlgpAp¡_¡ v¡$i_u k¡hp Aph¡ s¡ dpV¡$ fpS>L$pfZuAp¡ Üpfp Å¡f `Z A`pe `f„sy fpS>L$pfZuAp¡ L$fhp_p¡ dp¡L$p¡ Ap`hp_u S>ÁepA¡ s¡d_u `pk¡ `n_p L$pe®L$f sfuL¡$ Üpfp fpS>L$pfZdp„ S> s¡ L$pev$p_y„ `pg_ L$fhpdp„ b¡hXy$ hgZ S> h^y L$pd g¡hpdp„ Aphsy„ lp¡e R>¡. 1947 \u 2014 ky^udp„ A`_phpdp„ Aph¡ R>¡. fpS>L$pfZdp„ drlgpAp¡_u hps L$fuA¡ sp¡ fpS>L$pfZdp„ drlgpAp¡_u k„¿epdp„ _p¢^`pÓ h^pfp¡ `Z Å¡hp dmu fpS>L$pfZ A_¡ drlgpAp¡ hÃQ¡_p¡ k„b„^ ApS>L$pg_p¡ _lu k¥L$pAp¡ flep¡ R>¡. lpg_u dp¡v$u kfL$pf lp¡e L¡$ `R>u rh`n lp¡e s¡dp„ kyódp S|>_p¡ R>¡. `yfps_L$pmdp„ s¡dS> fS>hpX$p_p kdedp„ drlgpAp¡_p õhfpS>, kp¡_uep Np„^u, ddsp b¡_®Æ, d¡_L$p Np„^u, õd©rs Cfp_u, fpS>_u hpsp¡ Qp¡`X$pAp¡dp„ hp„Qhp dm¡ R>¡. `Z Mf¡Mf_p fpS>L$pfZdp„ dpephsu, Ap_„v$u$b¡_ `V¡$g S>¡hu A_¡L$ drlgp fpS>L$pfZuAp¡ DÃQ `Z rb°V$ui cpfs_p kde\u drlgpAp¡_p âcyÐh_p v$pMgp R>¡. õ\p_¡ b¡ku v¡$i_u k¡hp L$fu flu R>¡. rb°V$ui cpfsdp„ 1917dp„ A¡L$ fpS>L$ue `n_p hX$p sfuL¡$ A¡“u b¡k„V$_u r_dÏ„L$ L$fhpdp„ Aphu lsu. cpfsue A„L$ipõÓ rhcpN_u A¡L$ ^pfZp A_ykpf cpfs_p fpS>L$pfZdp„ 1947 _u kfMpdZudp„ 2014dp„ 160V$L$p S>¡V$gp¡ h^pfp¡ Ðepfbpv$ `Z 1921dp„ A¡k¡çbgu_p kæe, 1938dp„ d„Óu `v¡$, Å¡hp dmu flep¡ R>¡. `l¡gp_p kdedp„ drlgpAp¡_¡ Of-L$pd dpV¡$ S> 1937dp„ k¡ÞV²$g g¡Ækg¡V$f, 1942dp„ qX$a¡Þk L$pDÞkug_p kæe ANÐe_u NZhpdp„ Aphsu lsu. S>¡\u drlgpAp¡ Of_u Qpf qv$hpgp¡ A_¡ 1946dp„ õhpõ\ d„Ópgedp„ drlgp fpS>L$pfZuAp¡_u r_dÏ„L$p¡ hÃQ¡\u blpf Aphhpdp„ X$fsu lsu A\hp s¡d_¡ dep®v$p _X$su L$fhpdp„ Aphu lsu. 1947dp„ cpfs_u ApTpv$u bpv$_p fpS>L$pfZdp„ lsu. `f„sy ApS>_u hps S> L„$CL$ Sy>v$u R>¡, ApS>_p AÛs_ eyNdp„ drlgpAp¡_u k„¿epdp„ `l¡gp L$fsp h^pf¡ Å¡hp dþep¡ lsp¡. drlgpAp¡ `Z Aæepkdp„ `yê$jp¡_¡ `R>pX$u flu R>¡. s¡_u kp\¡ kp\¡ fpS>L$pfZ_u kp\¡ kp\¡ AÞe n¡Óp¡dp„ `Z rhL$pkdp„ drlgpAp¡ `yê$j kfL$pf Üpfp `Z drlgp ki[¼sL$fZ_u hpsp¡ A_¡ rhrh^ ep¡S>_pAp¡ kdp¡hX$u \hp_p âepkp¡ L$fu flu lsu.ApTpv$ cpfs_p â\d drlgp kp\¡ Aph¡ R>¡. Ðepf¡ kfL$pfdp„ `Z drlgpAp¡_¡ s¡V$gu S> S>hpbv$pfu hX$pâ^p_ sfuL¡$ 1966dp„ C[Þv$fp Np„^uA¡ `v$cpf k„cpþep¡ lsp¡. kp¢`hpdp„ Aphu flu R>¡. lpg_p dp¡v$u kfL$pf_p d„Óu d„X$mdp„ A_¡ spS>¡sfdp„ S> 2009dp„ cpfs_p â¡kuX$ÞV$ sfuL¡$ ârscp `pV$ug¡ A¡Q.Apf.X$u du_uõV$f sfuL¡$ õd©rs Cfp_u, A¡¼V®$_g Aa¡f du_uõV$f v¡$i_¡ k¡hpAp¡ Ap`u R>¡. 2014_u dp¡v$u kfL$pfdp„ `Z drlgpAp¡_¡ sfuL¡$ kyódp õhfpS> A_¡ d¡_L$p k„S>e Np„^u_¡ bpm A_¡ drlgp ep¡Áe õ\p_ Ap`hpdp„ Apìey„ R>¡. Äepf¡ õ`uL$f_u S>hpbv$pfu `Z L$ëepZ rhcpN_u S>hpbv$pfu kp¢`hpdp„ Aphu R>¡. kyduÓp dlpS>_ A¡L$ drlgp_¡ ky`fs L$fpC R>¡.

35 a¡¼V$ apCg

rb°V$ui C[ÞX$ep_p drlgp fpS>L$pfZuAp¡ ➣ fp^pbpC kyåbpfp¡e¡_ (k¡ÞV²$g g¡Æõg¡V$f, 1937) ➣ A¡_u b¡k„V$ (fpS>L$ue `n_p hX$p, 1917) ➣ b¡Nd S>lp_Apfp i¡l_hpT (_¡i_g qX$a¡Þk L$pD[Þkg_p ➣ X$pµ. dyÐ\ygÿdu f¡Í$u (g¡Æõg¡V$uh A¡k¡çbgu_p kæe, kæe, 1942) 1921) ➣ fpS>Ly$dpfu Ad}s L$p¡f (õhpõ\d„Óu, 1946) ApTpv$ ➣ rhS>ep gÿdu `„X$us (d„Óu, 1938) cpfs

ApTpv$ cpfs ➣ L$Zp®V$L$_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : hu. A¡k. fpdpv¡$hu ➣ dpN£V$ Apëhp (fpÄe kcp_p X¡$àeyV$u Q¡f`k®_, 1964) (1999) ➣ L¡$fm_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : Äep¡su h¢L$V$pQgd¹ (1977) ➣ C[Þv$fp Np„^u (hX$pâ^p_, 1966) ➣ L¡$fm lpCL$p¡V®$_p â\d drlgp Qua S>õV$uk : A¸_p Q¡ÞX$u ➣ C[Þv$fp Np„^u (rhv¡$id„Óu, 1967) (1959) ➣ hu. A¡k. fpdpv¡$hu (dy¿e Qy„V$Zu Ar^L$pfu, cpfsue Q|„V$Zu ➣ dÝeâv¡$i_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : Ddp cpfsu (2003) Apep¡Áe, 1990) ➣ Ap¡fuõkp_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : _„qv$_u ks`pW$u ➣ kp¡r_ep Np„^u (rhv¡$i `n_p _¡sp, 1998) (1972) ➣ ârscp `pV$ug (â¡kuX$ÞV$, 2007) ➣ `„Åb_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : fÆÞv$f L$p¥f cË$pg ➣ NyS>fps_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : ipfv$p dyM®Æ (1978) (1996) ➣ NyS>fps_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : Ap_„v$ub¡_ `V¡$g ➣ fpS>õ\p__p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : hky„^fp fpS>¡ (2014) (2003) ➣ ➣ dlpfpô²$_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : rhS>ep gÿdu `„qX$s fpS>õ\p__p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : ârscp `pV$ug (2004) (1963) ➣ spdug_pXy$_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : Å_L$u fpdQ„Ö_ ➣ Ap„^°âv¡$i_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : ipfv$p dyM®Æ (1977) (1989) ➣ ➣ Ap„^°âv¡$i_p â\d drlgp N©ld„Óu : kbusp CÞÖ f¡Í$u spdug_pXy$_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : apsudp rbhu (1997) ➣ DÑfpM„X$_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : dpN®¡V$ Apëhp (2009) ➣ Apkd_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : A_hpfp s¥dyf (1980) ➣ DÑfâv¡$i_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : kfp¡Æ_u _peXy$ ➣ rblpf_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : fpbX$u v¡$hu (1997) (1947) ➣ qv$ëlu_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : kyódp õhfpS> (1998) ➣ DÑfâv¡$i_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : kyQ¡sp ¾$u`gp_u ➣ qv$ëlu lpCL$p¡V®$_p â\d drlgp Qua S>õV$uk : gugp i¡W$ (1963) (1978) ➣ `òud b„Npm_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : `ÚÅ _peXy$ ➣ rldpQg âv¡$i_p â\d drlgp Nh®_f : i¥gp L$p¡g (1995) (1956) ➣ rldpQg âv¡$i_p â\d drlgp Qua S>õV$uk : gugp i¡W$ ➣ `òud b„Npm_p â\d drlgp dy¿ed„Óu : ddsp b¡_®Æ (1991) (2011)

36 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abhilasha, K. & Kidwai, S. (1994). Illusion of power: The woman’s vote. New Delhi: Friedrich – Ebert - Stiftung. Brenner, J. (2006). Women and the politics of class. New Delhi: Aakar. Chopra, J.K. (1993). Women in the Indian parliament (A critical study of their role). New Delhi: Mittal. Jha, A.K. (Ed.). (2004). Women in pachayati raj institutions. New Delhi: Anmol. Jones, K.B. & Jonasdottir, A.G. (Eds.). (1990). The political interests of gender: Developing theory and research with a feminist face. New Delhi: Sage. Kaushik, S. (2004). Voices of women in panchayati raj. New Delhi: Friedrich - Ebert -Stiftung. Kaushik, S. (1996). Panchayati raj in action: Challenges to women’s role. New Delhi: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. Kaushik, S. (1993). Women and panchayati raj. New Delhi: Har-Anand. Kaushik, S. (n.d.). Knocking at the male bastion: Women in politics. New Delhi: National Commission for Women. Meenaghan, T.M., Kilty, K.M., & McNutt, J.G. (2009). Social policy analysis and practice. Chicago: Lyceum. Mies, M., Bennhold-Thomsen, V., & Werlof, C. (1998). Women: The last colony. New Delhi: Kali for women. Mahan, R. (1999). Women in Indian national congress (1921-1931). Jaipur : Rawat. Menon, N. (2004). Recovering subversion: Feminist politics beyond the law. Delhi: Permanent Black. Menon, N. (Ed.). (1999). Gender and politics in India. (Themes in politics series). New Delhi: Oxford. Shah, G. (Ed.). (2005). Caste and democratic politics in India. (Essential writings in politics series). New Delhi: Permanent Black. Singla, P. (2007). Women’s participation in panchayati raj: Nature and effectiveness (A northern Indian perspective). Jaipur: Rawat. Sridharan, D., & Rodic, V. (2004). Breaking the political glass ceiling: Women and local governance in South Asia. New Delhi: Friedrich- Ebert- Stiftung. Varma, S. (1997). Women’s struggle for political space: From enfranchisement to participation. Jaipur: Rawat. Yuval-Davis, N., & Werbner, P. (2005). Women, citizenship and difference. New Delhi: Zubaan.

Compiled by: Geetha Srinivasan Library Assistant, WSRC

37 WSRC ACTIVITY REPORT (June 2014 – March 2015)

A. ACTIVITIES/EVENTS COMPLETED: Consultation workshop on “Condition of Shelter Home for Women in India” • One day Consultation Workshop On “Condition of Shelter Home for Women in India” in collaboration with Society for Women’s Action and Training Initiatives (SWATI) was organized at WSRC on 10th May 2014. Various policies and plans regarding Shelter Home for Women in India were discussed and reviewed. On the basis of findings of the study ‘Situation analysis and recommendations based on the study of shelter homes in Gujarat’, recommendations for improvement of shelter homes in Gujarat were also discussed and finalized by experts present in the workshop. Workshop on ‘‘Commercial Surrogacy in Indian context: Issues and Concerns’’ by SAMA • Three representatives from Women’s Studies Research Center participated in the Workshop on ‘‘Commercial Surrogacy in Indian context: Issues and Concerns’’ which was conducted on 3rd June 2014 at Vadodara by SAMA- a resource group for women and health. Challenges and concerns related to commercial surrogacy in India were discussed. The documentary film titled ‘Can we see the baby bump please?’- directed by Ms. Surabhi Sharma was shown to the participants. The documentary explores questions and concerns through the experiences of surrogate women. Women’s Studies: Interdisciplinary Perspectives • Interdisciplinary Teaching Six weeks Part-Time Certificate Course on “Women’s Studies: Interdisciplinary perspectives”, was conducted from August 20 - October 8, 2014. The teaching faculty represented experts from a wide range of disciplines such as social work, human development, sociology, history, fine arts, media, political science, psychology, law, education, and health. Participants from different backgrounds and disciplines participated in the course. Snapshots: Some of our Resource Persons for the Interdisciplinary Course

Ms. Neeta Hardikar, Founder, Director, ANANDI Dr. Shubhada Kanani, Sr. Technical Advisor MPTAST (MPHSRP)

38 Prof. N. Rajaram, Professor & Dean, School of Social Mr. Sylvester Merchant, Project Director, Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhi Nagar Lakshya Trust, Vadodara

Presentations by the participating Students Certificate Distribution by Prof. Lajwanti Chatani, Dept. of Political Science, M.S. University, Baroda

WSRC Staff and the Participants along with Ms. Trupti Shah, Founder Member, Sahiyar (Stree Sangathan)

(cont...... )

39 B. ONGOING ACTIVITIES/EVENTS :

Gender Sensitivity Sessions/Advocacy

• The Women’s Studies Research Center conducts awareness sessions on Gender Sensitivity and Sexual Harassment in the different faculties of the M. S. University of Baroda.

Courses Offered

• The Women’s Studies Research Center offers two choice based credit courses to students from all the Departments in the fourth and sixth semesters. The course objective is to provide understanding about women’s rights and laws in Indian society from different perspectives.

Research Projects

• Women with Disabilities in Gujarat.

• Sociocultural and Gender Determinants of Food Consumption Patterns

Documentation

• The Women’s Studies Research Center Library/Documentation Center’s collection is being strengthened with books, monographs, journals, reports, conference proceedings and non-book materials from a wide array of disciplines.

Workshop

• A Workshop on ‘‘Theatre as a Medium to Understand Gender’’ in Collaboration with the Faculty of Performing Arts is planned from February 24, 2015 to February 28, 2015. The workshop will be conducted by Ms Aditi Desai, who is a communication consultant and Director of a theatre group called- Jashwant Thaker Memorial Foundation.

International Women’s Day Celebration

• As part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, a short film competition on the theme ‘‘Girl Child’’ is planned in collaboration with the Faculty of Journalism and Communication. The objective of the competition is to generate awareness and sensitivity towards the girl child. The competition is open to students, NGOs, as well as those who are interested in gender issues and film making.

40 NEW ARRIVALS - Documentation Center

Sr. Author Title of the Book Publisher Year of No. Publication

1 Ali, Latif. Betrayed: Escape from Iraq. Mehta Publishers 2009 Shears, Richard.

2 Appadurai, Arjun. The future as cultural fact: Essays Verso Books 2013 on the global condition.

3 Appadurai, Arjun. Gender, genre, and power in South Motilal Publishers 1994 Korom, Rank J. Asian expressive tradition. Mills, Margaret A. (Eds.).

4 Bhagwat, Vidyut. Women’s studies: Interdisciplinary Diamond Publications 2012 themes and perspectives.

5 ^mJ©d, à{_bm EM². ~mb _OXyar CÝ_ybZ… {H$ñH$m Xm{`Ëd ? amdV npãbHo$eZg 2012 (qhÝXr)

6 Banarjee, Paula. Women in Indian borderlands. Sage Publications 2011 Basu Ray Chaudhury, Anasua. (Eds.).

7 Brinkmann, Svend. Qualitative interviewing: Oxford University 2013 Understanding qualitative research. Press

8 Carrell, Susan. Group exercise for adolescents: Sage Publications 2010 A manual for therapists, school counselors and spiritual leaders. (3rd Ed.) 9 Carretero, Mario History education and the construction Information Age 2012 (et.al) (Eds.). of national identities: A volume in Publishers international review of history education. 10 Centre for Women’s Journal of gender and justice. D.K.Printworld 2012 Studies and Development Vol. 1 (2012) 11 Channa, SubhadraMitra. Gendering material culture: Rawat Publications 2013 Misra, Kamal K. Representation and practice. 12 Channa, SubhadraMitra. Gender in South Asia: Social Cambridge University 2013 imagination and constructed realities. Press 13 Chattopadhyay, Aparajita. Poverty and social exclusion in Rawat Publications 2013 India: Issues& challenges. 14 Cunnigham, James. Using SPSS: An interactive Sage Publications 2012 Aldrich, James. hands-on approach. 15 Deka, Meeta. Women’s agency and social change: Sage Publications 2013 Assam and beyond. (SAGE studies on India’s North-East series) 16 Deshpande, Ashwini. Affirmative action in India. Oxford University 2013 (Oxford India short introductions) Press

41 17 D’ Souza, Barnabe. From ecstasy to agony and back: Sage Publications 2012 Journeying with adolescents on the street. 18 Dutt, Bishupriya. Engendering performance: Indian Sage Publications 2010 Munsi, Urmimala Sarkar. women performers in search of an identity. 19 Enarson, Elaine. Women, gender and disaster: Sage Publications 2012 Chakrabarti, Dhar. (Eds.). Global issues and initiatives. 20 Flick, Uwe. An introduction to qualitative Sage Publications 2012 research. (4thEd.). 21 Goodman, Jacqueline. Global perspectives on gender and Rawat Publications 2012 (Ed.) work: Readings and interpretations. 22 Hermans, Hubert. Handbook of dialogical self-theory. Cambridge University 2012 Gieser, Thorsten. (Eds.). Press 23 Jain, Devaki. Elson, Harvesting feminist knowledge for Sage Publications 2011 Diane. (Eds.). public policy: Rebuilding progress. 24 Jain, Jasbir. Indigenous roots of feminism: Sage Publications 2011 Culture, subjectivity and agency. 25 Johnson, Allan. The gender knot: Unraveling our Pearson Longman 2005 patriarchal legacy. 26 Kabeer, Naila. Gender and social protection Routledge 2010 strategies in the informal economy. 27 Kishwar, MadhuPurnima. Zealous reformers, deadly laws: Sage Publications 2008 Battling stereotypes. 28 Lal, Ruby. Coming of age in Nineteenth-Century Cambridge University 2013 India: The girl-child and the art of Press playfulness. 29 Magnusson, Eva. Gender and culture in psychology: Cambridge University 2012 Marecek, Jeanne. Theories and practices. Press 30 Mehta, Lyla. (Ed.) Displaced by development: Sage Publications 2009 Confronting marginalisation and gender injustice. 31 Mishra, Veerendra. (Ed.) Human trafficking: The Sage Publications 2013 stakeholders’ perspective. 32 Mukherji, Shekar. Migration in India: Links to Rawat Publications 2013 urbanization, regional disparities and development policies. 33 Munshi, Indra. (Ed.) The adivasi question: Issues of Orient Blackswan 2013 land, forest and livelihood. 34 Naidoo, Kogi.Patel, Working women: Stories of strife, Sage Publications 2009 Fay. (Eds.). struggle and survival. 35 Nelson-Jones, Richard. Basic counselling skills: A helper’s Sage Publications 2012 manual. (3rd Ed.). 36 Oommen, T.K. Knowledge and society: Situating Oxford University 2013 sociology and social anthropology. Press

42 37 Palriwala, Rajni. Uberoi, Marriage, migration and gender. Sage Publications 2008 Patricia. Thapan, (Women and migration in Asia Meenakshi. (Eds.). Series - Vol. 5). 38 Pandey, Gyanendra. A history of prejudice: Race, caste Cambridge University 2013 and difference in India and the Press United States. 39 nQ>ob, Vwbgr. (gånmXH$) ^maV _o§ n[adma… g§aMZm Ed§ ì`dhma. amdV npãbHo$eZg 2011 (qhXr) 40 Rao, Raj R.Sarma, Whistling in the dark: Twenty-one Sage Publications 2009 Dibyajyoti. (Eds.). queer interviews. 41 Rege, Sharmila. Against the madness of manu: B.R. Narayana Publishing 2013 Ambedkar’s writings on brahmanical patriarchy. 42 Sahni, Rohini. Prostitution and beyond: An analysis Sage Publications 2008 Shankar, Kalyan.Apte, of sex work in India. Hemant. (Eds.). 43 Sayeed, Asma. Women and the transmission of Cambridge University 2013 religious knowledge in Islam. Press 44 eoIa, gw_Z. Jw_ hmoVr bµS>{H$`m§§. (H$mì`-g§J«) EOwHo$eZb ~wH$ g{d©g 2013 (qhXr) 45 Shwalb, David. (Ed.) Fathers in cultural context. Routledge 2013 46 Silvermann, David. (Ed.) Qualitative research: Issues of theory, Sage Publications 2011 method and practice. (3rdEd.). 47 Singh, Kirti. Separated and divorced women in Sage Publications 2013 India: Economic rights and entitlements. 48 qgh, dr. EZ. AmYw{ZH$Vm Ed§ Zmar ge{º$H$aU. amdV npãbHo$eZg 2010 qgh, OZ_oO`. (qhXr) 49 Somayajula, Ulimiri Social inclusion and women health: The Women Press 2013 (et.al.) (Eds.) Perspectives and issues. (Vol.1) 50 Somayajula, Ulimiri Social inclusion and women health: The Women Press 2013 (et.al.) (Eds.) Perspectives and issues. (Vol. 2) 51 Swanborn, Peter. Case study research: What, why Sage Publications 2010 and how? 52 Thapan, Meenakshi. Living the body: Embodiment, Sage Publications 2010 womanhood and identity in contemporary India. 53 Valsiner, Jaan.Rosa, The Cambridge handbook of Cambridge University 2007 Albert. (Eds.). sociocultural psychology. Press 54 Vepa, Swarna S. Bearing the burnt: Impact of rural Sage Publications 2009 distress on women. 55 Walliman, Nicholas. Your research project: Designing and Sage Publications 2011 planning your work. (3rdEd.). 56 Weinstein, Jay Alan. Applying social statistics: An Rawat Publications 2010 introduction to quantitative reasoning in sociology. 57 Zama, Margaret Ch. (Ed.) Emerging literatures from Northeast Sage Publications 2013 India: The dynamics of culture, society and identity.

43 QUOTABLE QUOTES

o “The idea of perfect womanhood is perfect independence.” Swami Vivekananda

o “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

o “Liberty is a great celestial Goddess, strong, beneficent, and austere, and she can never descend upon a nation by the shouting of crowds, nor by arguments of unbridled passion, nor by the hatred of class against class.” Annie Besant

o “The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war.” Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

o “We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action.” Sarojini Naidu

o “The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.” Aung San Suu Kyi

44