Women drop 'ghunghat' to govern
- Smita Deshmukh | January 03, 2007

I saw my mom thrown out of her house by a builder, who had big political connections. I realised that the only way to fight was to enter the fray," she added. Thakur suffered stiff opposition from in-laws, but is determined to contest.
"I'm no puppet, I know how to take my decisions after this training course," she insisted.

Pushing the women is Alpana Painter, president, NCP women's wing. A politician for 30 years, Painter joined as a resource person for the training where the women were introduced to civic budget, communication skills, campaign strategies and above all - how to deal with male colleagues.

"We do need the support of big leaders to move ahead. But now many are recognising us on our merits," she admitted. Setting an example, her daughter Sejal, a successful film editor of movies like Mangal Pandey is now jumping the civic poll bandwagon seeking NCP ticket from ward no 164. "I will have to manage both - politics and work," she added.
Giving Sejal direct contest is Vandana Pradip, a teacher and old Congress guard. Completing the six month S P Jain course, Pradip is now keen on fighting from ward 164. "I hope the Congress and NCP strike alliance to ensure Sejal and I have amicable fight!" she said. Pradip's experience with voters is revealing.

"The slum dwellers are fighting to survive, yet come to vote. But the educated middle class do not even answer the door bell when we go to campaign and bang the door on us," she recalled. Others like Pratibha Sawant, a grassroot BJP worker who completed the six month course and is now eager to contest from ward 141.

And the shy ones on the sidelines

They appear to be fence sitters, but these foursomes insist they are making a difference. When Literature graduate Jayati Samy enrolled for the six months programme "Political Governance for Women" in the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, she was a shy home-maker.

Today, Samy brings out a magazine for kids Beyond books and communicates with academicians and politicians and may soon get government support.

Roopal Shah, another home-maker completed the course and has now activated the local residents association in Azad lane, Andheri fighting for civic amenities thanks to family support. Shah and Samy network with local corporators and state that their time for active politics will come soon. Their colleague Kirti Sharma too has smoothly transformed into the role of environmental activist taking lead in the pigeon drops menace. "I'm busy with programmes on this issue. Maybe this is the beginning for a active role in public life in future," added Sharma.

Activist Leena Prabhoo did complete the course and now runs a forum of NGOs fighting for the cause of suburbs. "I'm working hard for citizens cause, making them aware of their rights," she explained.

Though happy with their new roles, Nirja Mattoo, chairperson, Centre for Development of Corporate Citizenship, SP Jain, felt that fulfillment of the programme was to get women directly in politics.

"Women like Prabhoo and Sharma are educated and are aware. But we have now modified our course for the grassroot workers in political parties. And the results are amazing, with many women ready to contest the coming civic polls," she said.