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The women of the HOUSE
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On the occasion of the International Day of Women (March 8) S.B.VIJAYA MARY presents the view of a few MLAs who shared their political outlook, vision for women and personal insight.
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THEY ARE no different from other women but they make a difference to the society. Their presence in the House is not mere numbers — the women Legislators of the State are a force to reckon with today. Overwhelmed they might be by the power vested in them, but they aren't overawed by the responsibility that goes with it. Their strength stems from self-belief and one can't but appreciate their optimism to bring about a change in politics. It comes as a pleasant surprise that none of these women introduce themselves by identifying with their Party. Indeed a commendable trait that rises above Party matters! Their constituencies are their extended families and the development work there is 24x7. Their simple and honest remarks were eye-openers to clear thinking and a will to make things happen.
Swarna Sudhakar Reddy,
Congress, Amarachinta (Mahbubnagar)
I always wanted to be a social activist, not a politician. Mother Teresa had been an inspiration forever. I used to think I should effect some change in society even if it is in a small way. But living in a joint family after marriage, I didn't know how. So, I started penning my thoughts.
Peeved at the way the mother-in-law-daughter-in-law tiffs dominated most of the fiction those days, I wrote a novel Kodalu Pilla which highlighted the positive aspect of that relationship. I got rave reviews and a lot of appreciation. My father's a retired judge and father-in-law and husband too are in politics and it is their suggestion that I should stretch my activity beyond writing. They felt writing alone is not enough to bring the desired change. That was the motivation for me to join politics. It's not always smooth (in this career), for you are answerable to every single person who voted for you.
One has to work and not seek power; that way Sonia Gandhi has set an example by giving up Prime Ministership. That should be the objective of every politician — service oriented, not power chasing. The power we hold may look sweet but it is a crown of thorns.
Lalitha Thomas,
TDP, Palamaner (Chittoor)
Men and women are two sides of the same coin and any responsibility should be shared by them equally. It is no different in politics. Whether a woman is a lawyer, doctor or a politician, she should be service-oriented. But I guess in politics, the individual freedom to do things your way will not work always. You are bound by the Party. In my case, I've always enjoyed the support and confidence of seniors in my Party. That helps me stay motivated. When you are committed to your work, the result comes quick and fast. A woman has to do the balancing act between home and career, which is possible with the support of the family. Finally, self-confidence and hard work will always bring good result.
Padma Devender Reddy,
TRS, Ramayampet (Medak)
I wonder why there is no Men's Day. Why should it be a one-day festival for women? Does it mean that women deserve to be happy and be in the limelight for just one day? Patience is a woman's biggest virtue. That makes them successful in any field. And in politics it is of more use.
It is encouraging to see more women in politics. But what saddens me is that women are not able to make it on their own. They are entering politics only as inheritors — after the death of their father or husband. I've been an advocate and always voiced my opinions strongly. Hence I'm confident I'll be able to carry my political will, beliefs and hard work with conviction.
Power may be sweet but it is also poisonous.
Sunita Lakshma Reddy,
Congress, Narsapur (Medak)
Though I was a student leader in school and college, I never thought I'd enter politics. My husband's demise during an election campaign saw me enter the field. There's no going back now.
I feel dejected over negative comments despite my hard work, but I don't allow that to affect me. All I do is concentrate on fulfilling people's needs. In fact, I'm planning to organise some meeting on Women's Day in my constituency to bring women together and have them discuss their major concerns and issues.
Power that gives you an opportunity to serve is sweet but its uncertainty is sour.
D.K. Aruna,
SP, Gadwal (Mahbubnagar)
Being a politician is certainly a bigger challenge for a woman than being in other professions. In politics, there is no time frame and you are on duty 24 hours. The apprehensions people have over women's ability to perform strengthens us to give our best. One has to realise that a woman is no less. The celebrity status is enjoyable, but I don't allow that to get in the way of my personal life.
I would like to bring women to a higher level of awareness and I certainly would like to choose the Women's Day to do something towards that end.
Power brings both joys and sorrows. You have to be wise to make better use of it.
Kotla Sujata,
Congress, Dhone (Kurnool)
My father-in-law was a major source of inspiration and now my husband who's also an M.P. continues to support and help me fulfil my duties.
I used to be very nervous and scared in the Assembly. I still remember the first time when I had to speak in the House. I came prepared with all the points neatly written, but I was nervous to read from the paper. But we always get appreciated by our colleagues if we come up with good points. I do miss my family and children whom I leave behind for a long time but I know my responsibilities and my priorities. It's a challenge to be able to balance everything.
Christine Lazarus,
Nominated MLA
Women's Day is fine, but it should be informative, which is more important, and action-based. And any new programme announced for the development of women is always welcome but that should be expanded to the rural areas as well. Women are excelling in many areas and they have more common sense, which I think is required more in politics. As a woman, I am a procreator along with the man. So, why shouldn't I be involved in policy making too along with him?
Padala Aruna,
TDP, Gajapatinagaram
The way women balance their personal life and career makes themeffective in any field. That they are more responsible goes without saying. Though I support the celebration of Women's Day, women should not wait for sops announced on such days — they should learn to take on life and be more independent. Being in politics teaches you many things — makes you tougher, stronger and more determined. But we should not forget that ultimately power is responsibility.
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