DMK MP, Kanimozhi demands respect for women, not worship

During the debate over the implementation of Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha, The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP, Kanimozhi demanded respect for women, not worship. She criticized the constitutional amendment bill known as ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ for promoting the idea of women as goddesses, mothers, and sisters.

“We do not want to be saluted, we do not want to be put on a pedestal. We don’t want to be worshipped, we don’t want to be called mothers, We don’t want to be called your sister or wife, we want to be respected as equals. Let us get down from the pedestal and walk as equals,” Kanimozhi said.

Kanimozhi also accused the government of bringing the bill in shrouded secrecy and without consulting stakeholders. She demanded to know what consensus was built and what discussions were held before the bill was introduced.

“I myself have raised this issue of bringing the Reservation Bill many times in Parliament. To many of my starred and unstarred questions, the Government’s reply was very consistent. They said that they have to involve all stakeholders, and political parties and then build a consensus before bringing the Bill,” Kanimozhi said. “I would like to know what consensus was built. What discussions were held? This Bill was brought shrouded in secrecy. We did not know what this session was called for.”

Kanimozhi’s speech was met with applause from opposition members.

The Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, has been pending in Parliament for over two decades. The bill has been supported by most political parties, but it has faced opposition from some groups who argue that it will discriminate against men.

Also read: Congress’ Sonia Gandhi demands immediate implementation of Women’s Reservation Bill