In the 56 years since it became an Indian state, Nagaland has only seen one woman member of Parliament, Rano M Shaiza, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1977. Moreover, No women has ever been elected in the state legislative assembly of the state of Nagaland since its formation. There is no presence of women either in the political administration and governance of Village and Tribal bodies. Demand for 33 % Reservation in Urban Local Bodies in the Nagaland is not just a question of Women’s political representation, but a question of an implementation of a progressive ‘Constitutional Mandate’ to constructively enable 21st century women to take strides freely into the world of “Power & Politics” to make productive contribution in the building of political community, state and the Nation.
DEMAND FOR 33% RESERVATION OF NAGA WOMEN IN ULB – A RIGHTFUL CLAIM TO POLITICAL RIGHTS?
The issue of women’s reservation in Urban Local Bodies in Nagaland has been an ongoing debate for a long time now. While the issue of women’s reservation is not limited to Nagaland, and was and continues to be seen throughout many parts of India and outside, the issue here in Nagaland is quite complex and beyond gender rights and traditions. The 74th Amendment Act, of the Constitution of India is a landmark initiative that mandated the setting up and devolution of powers to urban local bodies (ULBs) or city/town governments as the lowest unit of governance in cities and towns.
At the outset; taking a bird’s eye view it is clear that Naga society which is having a visible tribal character is a multidimensional, complex society with watertight socio-cultural-political tribal compartments. Every tribe has its own unique language, nature, customs, traditions, polity and history. The tribes in Nagaland grew independently (without inter-tribe interactional socio-cultural endosmosis) over the centuries in isolation as they formed their own unique socio-cultural-political ecosystem. Considering the very fact that every Naga tribe is unique, there is a strange commonality among all of them- that is related to the ‘POLITICAL’ status of ‘WOMEN’.
Considering the overall nature and structure of Naga society, it is evident that no role has been assigned to the women in the field of politics and governance in Naga society which is basically a tribal society. There is a clear-cut boundary laid down in relation to the roles of Men and Women in society. That may be the reason that the participation of women in cultural, social and religious activities is visible; however, their presence in the ‘Political’ administration and governance of their own tribe does not exist. Modern, highly educated Naga girls, women and progressive Men have now been asking uncomfortable questions to the male-dominated society and raising their voices for political rights which are still not available to women. The women’s voice in Nagaland for 33 percent reservation in ULB is a result of this.
There has been opposition to the 33 percent Reservation in the ULB’s in Nagaland, time and again by tribal bodies on the grounds that this will infringe the Naga customary laws.
Article 371 A is a special provision that has been guaranteed to the Naga people by the Constitution of India which has protected their traditions and customs. Thus, we have, on one hand, the male-dominant tribal bodies standing firm on Naga customs AND on the other hand we have the Naga women demanding for their political rights.
Undoubtedly, in comparison to other parts of India, our women are in better condition. We may safely say that social equality exists in our society and we are happy about that. However, let us ALSO accept the bitter truth that our women still do not have land rights, inheritance rights over property, all tribal bodies are male dominant and centered, and most importantly women are still neglected when it comes to ‘Political’ decision making. All these are a big hindrance not only towards women’s empowerment but also to the potential development and progressive transformation of the society and the state.
Many may argue that to fully fulfill women’s fight for liberation, women ought to compete with their male counterparts “fairly” based on merit and not on quota. If this would’ve been the case, why has there been no significant development in the political status of Naga women over the course of years? The truth is that from the first election to the State Legislative Assembly conducted in 1964 to the latest one, not a single woman has been elected as an MLA in Nagaland. Has our Male-dominated society ever attempted to create a conducive environment where women would achieve their political ambitions with strength and freedom? We have to introspect.
The defenders of the status quo maintain that women are not interested enough in politics, they also maintain that women will be used as proxy candidates if the reservation is granted; some of them also feel that the women are not competent enough to handle politics. To batter down such derogatory myths woven around women, we need women in an ivory tower of power, in a position to direct the destiny of the people and the state of Nagaland. We need women everywhere. Why just ULB, we need women political leaders and activists at the clan, village level as well. When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Constitution of India has mandated Political Justice to Women then why women in Naga society should be deprived of it?
Women are not demanding 33% Reservation so that they can handle women issues in a better way than males; however, we need to understand that their demand is a right based demand-to implement the constitutional mandate given by the Constitution of India and legal mandate of International Law under conventions like UDHR and ICCPR to bridge the inequality that exists in the political dimensions.
The 33 % Reservation to women in the ULB’s like any other ‘Affirmative Action’ policies seeks to bring about a balance (equity) to the existing inequality in the society. Reservation for women is essential to give the much-needed kickstart to the otherwise absent women’s representation. Even then, it will take quite some time for women to get parity in a male dominant field.
The Present generation of Naga women advocates that their struggle for women’s representation is not limited to fighting for themselves but rather efforts to create a better space for the future generations of Naga women to come forward and contribute constructively in the political sphere of Nagaland in the best interest of society and nation building process. It is high time to end political exclusivity and give our women their chance and opportunity to effectively participate and shine in politics. For this reservation for women in the ULB’s will be a FIRST STEP.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Aienla A, Rinsit B Sareo, Meren Lemtur and Kvulo Lorin.
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