There is a very strong case for the setting up of an Aam Aurat Party, which would primarily fight the Assembly (State) elections. Of course women, having the better half sense too, would probably like to call it Aam Log Party or Hamari Party. The issues at a local (yes, State is closest to that) level have most to do with the provision/delivery of adequate civic and social infrastructure, facilities and services, and their maintenance – consistently and equitably. And of course providing for the safety and security of all the residents. It’s quite a no-brainer to realise that more women (than men) have to deal with (the lack of) these facilities and services on a daily basis, and it is they who better know the answers/solutions to the issues. They could also be trusted to implement the solutions effectively – probably through Mahila Sabhas in mohallas. Of course men could also participate, and soon even ask for a quota (reservation)...even in the Party. Further, no one would be more sensitive to the issue of children’s and women’s safety than women themselves. Men simply have not learnt…to even ‘talk’ with sensitivity. A special Women’s Police Force (again with a ‘reserved’ number of men) could more effectively tackle street harassment - and not smile indulgently, saying ‘boys will be boys’. They will even manage traffic and ‘no parking’ issues better – for there has been no one better than Kiran (Crane) Bedi to date.
The frustration of the ordinary citizen is primarily on account of the daily issues – of inadequate and infrequent water and power supplies, the rising prices of food items, poor sanitation and the filth around, and of the inconvenience and insecurity of travelling by buses and autos. Women face special issues of open defecation and the lack of public toilets. The males just haven’t bothered enough about all this. The education and health of the children and of the poor is another ‘soft’ area that needs sensitive handling and delivery, rather than the boast and flourish of fund allocations. The same thought and care would apply to the housing for the poor, and the setting up of facilities and services for the differently abled. Women will also think twice before allowing the mushrooming of liquor vends, that too around residences and schools. It’s time for women to also regain their freedom in the parks, rather than being forced out of them.
Men have conveniently used the Indian woman stereotype, and exaggerated the ‘specialised skill’ needed to run administrative and political posts, as an excuse to keep women out of decision-making roles outside the house. Women are not supposedly 'jugadu'. They do not need to be. Women would handle corruption better and in a more practical and focused manner. Men have also had it too easy…and have not really taken care of issues – civic and criminal - that plague women on a daily basis. Men have hardly felt any heat and have not really been on the receiving end – especially versus women. They are beginning to get a taste of it, as frivolous cases of dowry and rape are beginnig to rise. But women have much to 'make up'. Surprisingly, the Supreme Court recently intervened in such a case, to signify that it thought this had already gone too far! Is that the ‘tolerance’ level of (even) the (Supreme) male? Once the ladies in numbers take charge at the State level, things at the ground level will get better very soon. Aam aadmi needs to make way for them - AAP would benefit from doing so. Either way, the time for woman - the aam aurat - has to come...soon. Really achhe din tab hi aayenge.
It’s surprising that there are few women RWA Heads in the City. The men seem to believe they have all the answers – even outside the office.
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