WWF to wrestle for more women candidates in Mizo polls

Aizawl, Sep 8 (UNI) Although Mizo women have commanded dominance at the workplace, their presence in the state Legislature was still almost a nil during the past 20 years.

In a 'gung ho' gesture, the newly-formed Women Welfare Front(WWF) has rolled up its sleeves to wrestle for candidature in the upcoming Assembly polls, slated for November.

Constituted by the women members of the village councils (local administration) across the state, the WWF has urged all the political parties in the state to field as many women candidates as possible for the 2008 elections. And the outfit will go all out to ensure that the fairer sex favours female candidates in the polls.

''No home is complete without a woman, so is the state Assembly House. As much as we need women in our homes, we need them in the Assembly,'' WWF secretary Darhmingthangi said yesterday.

The WWF has met all political party leaders, except those of the ruling Mizo National Front, and garnered positive responses from them.

''Chief Minister and MNF president Zoramthanga was not available on the day we tried to meet him. We will meet him in a few days,'' Ms Darhmingthangi said.

''We have a number of highly qualified women in our society.

Despite the fact that Mizo women contribute immensely to the state's economy, we are deprived of opportunities when it comes to politics.

At least ten seats must be reserved for women,'' Ms Darhmingthangi said.

The state's largest women's body Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) also extended full support to the WWF agenda.

''There are large number of female MLAs in other states and also several women members in Parliament. Mizo women are in no way inferior to their counterparts. It is high time for Mizo women to participate in the state administration,'' MHIP president Rozami told UNI here yesterday.

At present, there are about 43 female members in the village councils across the state.

Since Mizoram attained statehood in 1972, there have been only three women MLAs in - Thanmawii (1978), K Thansiami (1979) and Lalhlimpuii (1987).

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