No Leading Opportunities for Noida Ladies : Gender In-equation of RWA’s and FONRWA!
Ashish Kedia
Noida (29/07/2017) : At a time when our visionary Prime Minister emphasizes on Women empowerment and promotes Gender equality initiatives such as “Beti-Padhao” and selfie with daughter among others, the ground reality of Noida evokes many sharp questions. As per provisional reports of Census India, the population of Noida in 2011 is 642,381 of which male and female are 352,577 and 289,804 respectively. While the sex ratio of Noida is better than then the national average, the bias with ladies remains persistent and deep rooted as everywhere else.
It is very shocking to note that there is complete crisis of women leadership in around 135 RWA’s of Noida. As an extension of the same, among 42 candidates fighting for different positions in FONRWA 2017 elections there is just one women candidate.
This glaring example of patriarchal structure raises stringent questions over Noida’s ultra-modern tag.
Gender Inequality of RWA’s :
Noida has around 135 Resident Welfare Association. The office bearers for these RWA’s are selected through elections. However in a society like Noida which prides itself for being decently educated, modern and forward thinking, the number of women leading on the posts of Secretary or President in RWA’s is negligible.
When TEN NEWS spoke to former RWA office bearer Anju Pachauri she said, “It’s true that women representation in different RWA’s of Noida is very poor. There is nothing like women reservation in any such society governance body. Also there is a particular prevalent mindset that discourages more women to come forward and contest for such post”.
FONRWA founding member Girija Singh also said ,”I strongly believe that more women must be encouraged to come forward and lead from front. We are in 21st century and if Noida wouldn’t take such lead what other city will. We should present a model where leadership qualties of Women folks are nurtured through giving them opportunities in RWA’s”.
Fight For Women Reservation :
Women reservation has been a log lapsed bill in Indian Parliament. For one reason or the other it never passes the floor test. However all an RWA needs to do what Indian Parliament couldn’t is a strong will and not bill. RWA’s can independently decide to give reservations to Women on different positions. Also reservation doesn`t mean women are a weaker section. It is not charity. In fact, it is the first step the government or local bodies can logically take to make women come forward and unleash their creative power. Once women use their power, the society and generations will be empowered as a result.
