Must Educate Our Sons To Respect Women: ShivSena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi Shares Her Thoughts On Women's Day

"I am a mother, a daughter, both soft and tough. I don't shy away from my responsibilities. I believe there shouldn't be a set definition for how a modern woman should be, despite society's attempts to categorize us," said Priyanka Chaturvedi, a dynamic Rajya Sabha MP from Shiv Sena UBT shared her thoughts with in a special conversation with OneIndia on the Occasion of International Women's Day.

Priyanka Chaturvedi shared her journey from a non-political background to becoming a significant figure in Indian politics.

"My involvement in politics began post the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, driven by a desire to contribute to society," she explains, highlighting a turning point that sparked her political career.

Priyanka Chaturvedi's path in politics saw her taking significant roles, including being the convener of the All India Congress Committee's communication wing, before transitioning to Shiv Sena due to ideological alignments with the party's focus on Maharashtra's rights. Despite her strides in politics, she acknowledges the pervasive issue of gender discrimination within the field.

"Discrimination exists, with judgments made about women's capabilities and ambitions often viewed differently compared to men's," Chaturvedi points out, emphasizing the societal challenges that parallel those in politics.

Reflecting on the struggles of balancing political commitments with family life, Chaturvedi reveals the early challenges of motherhood while pursuing her career.

"My daughter was only two when I started actively participating in politics, leading to missed family moments," she shares, illustrating the personal sacrifices involved in her journey. Yet, she believes these experiences have only strengthened her resolve to work for the betterment of society, including advocating for women's rights and participation in politics.

Advocating for Women's Representation in Politics

Priyanka Chaturvedi strongly supports increasing women's representation through reservations, citing the successful implementation in local body elections as a model for parliamentary and assembly elections. "The unanimous passage of the 33% reservation bill in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was historic, yet implementation remains uncertain due to the pending census and delimitation process," she notes, expressing concern over potential delays in enhancing women's political participation.

Despite these challenges, Chaturvedi remains hopeful for the future, inspired by the appointment of women to significant political roles, such as Delhi's Chief Minister. "Though she may be from a rival party, it's a step forward for gender equality in politics," she states, underscoring the importance of supporting women's advancements, regardless of political affiliations.

Addressing Women's Safety and Empowerment

Priyanka Chaturvedi believes that much work remains to be done regarding women's safety and empowerment in India. She argues against simplifying the narrative to focus solely on highlighted cases of misuse of laws by women, stressing the larger issue of societal attitudes towards women. "We must educate our sons to respect women and change societal norms that restrict women's freedom and safety," she insists, advocating for a holistic approach to addressing gender inequality.

As a participant in discussions on various platforms, Chaturvedi encourages women to have confidence in their abilities and to overcome challenges in political and social spheres. She also highlights the importance of financial independence and self-confidence for women aspiring to enter politics or any other field.

Embracing Modernity and Tradition

Priyanka Chaturvedi, who identifies as both modern and traditional, offers a nuanced perspective on what being a modern woman entails. "Modern doesn't mean abandoning our culture or values; it's about being confident and capable in our society," she explains, challenging stereotypes of modernity as being in conflict with tradition.

Drawing inspiration from historical figures and personal experiences, Chaturvedi aspires to contribute meaningfully to women's rights and representation in India. Despite the obstacles and societal expectations, she remains committed to her work and hopes to inspire other women to pursue their ambitions confidently.