SHILLONG:
Health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, on September 19 expressed her elation as the 33% women reservation bill is tabled, by emphasizing that this moment signifies a jubilant day for women across the nation.
Lyngdoh eagerly awaits the swift progression of the bill, aspiring for it to take good shape and become law. She envisions a future where assemblies provide a fair chance for women to actively participate in politics.
She stated,’When you reserve a seat exclusively for women, I think it would be the best way of giving women the recognition. They deserve. Whether or not we have candidates, I don’t think there will be a dearth of talent in the state of Meghalaya.’
‘We have women who are very active in all spheres of work. So I look forward to the implementation of the bill. And unfortunately, some men will have to give way to women and that will be the best thing that we do for this nation and this country,’ she added.
While acknowledging that women candidates have won in the past, she highlighted the challenges they face against their main contenders in given situations. Lyngdoh firmly believes that reserving seats exclusively for women is the best way to recognise and provide deserving opportunities for women. She confidently stated that talent in the state of Meghalaya is abundant, expressing her anticipation for the bill’s implementation.
Responding to a question about women’s hesitancy to partake in politics, Lyngdoh rejected the notion, asserting that women’s active involvement is evident, often crucial in male candidates’ victories. She emphasised that women possess the resilience and readiness to engage effectively in politics.
‘We are not hesitating. Most male candidates win because of their women’s support. That has been establishing several researches. It is already researched and already research indicates that and women will be ready,’ she stated.
Addressing the perception that women are too emotional or sensitive for politics, Lyngdoh dismissed it, noting that both genders can display emotions and be successful in politics. She highlighted that women possess a unique strength and resilience, remaining calm and composed in challenging situations.
‘Let me tell you one thing. I have seen men who are very emotional and are thriving in political so just let s not find fault at women under no circumstances. In fact, the mind and the metal of a woman can never be matched by a man.’
‘We are calm. We are poised. We do not easily display emotions. Unlike most men. You look at everything. Every indicator in every part of the world atrocities against women is because men are very emotional,’ she continued.
‘That is the basic shortfall or shortcoming of a man’s character. But we are not scrutinized anyone here. No male or no gender is under scrutiny here. This is a grand moment for us, the women of India. Leave it at that. And don’t underestimate us. We can rise to the occasion and actually perform very efficiently.’
Lyngdoh urged not to underestimate the potential of women, asserting that they can rise to the occasion and perform efficiently, contributing significantly to the nation’s progress.