Women federation demands 50 pc reservation in local governance

A federation of elected women representatives today pressed for a slew of demands, including 50 per cent reservation in local governance, saying it would ensure equality.
A 10-point charter of demands has been submitted to Tamil Nadu government, the representatives, working under the banner 'Muahzkkam,' told reporters here.
The demands include 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies, a special board at the district level to address cases of violence against women and such elected representatives, besides another special board to deal with caste discrimination.
S Saraswathy, Block President of 'Muzhakkam' from Tiruparankundram in Madurai, said that 50 per cent reservation for them in local bodies would mean more awareness on issues pertaining to women, especially sexual violence.

"More women want to participate in local governance. Further, it is women who perform grassroots level work in rural parts and are therefore better informed about people's problems," she said.
The charter of demands, which also calls for monthly wages to elected representatives at Gram Panchayat level like being followed in Kerala and Karnataka, has also been submitted to political parties CPI(M), MDMK and Congress, she said.