Women’s vote vital for election result

Dr. Maleka Banu speaks to DOT : 
There was a time when women were dependant on the bread-winners of the house to cast their votes. She had to vote for whomever the husband or brother chose to vote. But the situation has changed. Women are now more aware of their political and social rights. They are now active in the political and social field. They are independent in all respects. And that is why women’s votes in the upcoming general election is so vital. The candidates should also consider their female voters. However I’m deeply disappointed in one respect – women are behind in the case of candidates. We have longed for one-third of all candidates to be female. Such a predicament should’ve been avoided during the nomination procedure. But we were careless in that regard. Even though women reached parliament due to reserved seats, it’s not the same thing as going to a neighborhood and doing a lawmaker’s job. The reason for not nominating women is because of difference in perspective. Everyone thinks women have no wealth; she won’t be able to endure the race if nominated. Not only our political parties, but our society too has this point of view. If we are not able to bring women lawmakers to the parliament because of negative consequences, they will remain only as voters and protestors. Even though half of the votes will be from women, there will not be any substantial participation. If they become lawmakers, they’ll have their own constituencies, responsibilities. In that case they will get opportunities to give back to  society. As this has not happened in this year’s election, I remain hopeful for next time.
Dr. Maleka Banu is the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad
Interview by Khairul Alam
Translated by Abrar Hussain