Mera Power Vote: Women Voters Are Shaping Our Tomorrow

The percentage of women voters is forecasted to increase for the 2019 election. But what exactly does a woman voter want? Looking at dynamics in the political arena where many women are being fielded from different constituencies and the schemes being rolled out for the welfare of women, it can be said that women will play a great role in the election this year. For Her Zindagi’s 'Mera Power Vote' series, we talked to several women from all walks to life to understand their expectations, their problems and above all, what’s their understanding of their right to vote. We posed a few questions to Indrani Lahiri, who is a legal expert by profession (specialising in labour law) who also plays the multiple roles of a mother, daughter, and wife in her daily life.

1. Will You Vote This Year?

Yes

2. What Is Your Constituency And What Do You Know About The Candidates?

My Constituency is Trilok Puri in East Delhi.

3. What Issue Is Your Vote Based On?

My vote is based on the development not only in urban areas but in rural and marginalised sections of the society as well, especially ensuring that people get food, shelter and drinking water. Improvement in the education sector, especially higher education, health facilities, cleanliness, transport facilities, traffic situations, efforts in curbing pollution, corruption, terrorism and ensuring safety for women is something that is required.

4. What Problems Of Your Area Do You Want To Draw An Attention To?

I would want safety and security measures to be enhanced with CCTV cameras installed at appropriate places, measures to keep a check and prevent theft and other untoward incidents. Making not only our area but the entire Nation a safer place for the vulnerable.

Don’t Miss This: Sexist Remarks That Degrade The Most Powerful Female Politicians

5. What Are Your Expectations From The Government That Will Be Elected?

The expectation from the Government is to provide us with a better quality of life. One of the foremost things it can do is to take concrete steps to tackle pollution. It is disheartening to see places in India figuring in top positions in the list of most polluted in the world. While a lot of noteworthy measures have been taken by the Government, it is expected that the tempo of development and progress would continue in all the sectors be it education, health, safety or aspiring to become world leaders on several counts.

6. What Do You Have To Say To Women Who Do Not Vote?

Voting is critical as that is how you express your opinion as a citizen in a democratic nation. It is not only our right but also an obligation of every citizen to go out and vote. As women, we are talking about roughly 50% of the population, needless to emphasize the importance of women to vote.  It becomes imperative to vote since we as women need to play a role in shaping our tomorrow not only for ourselves but for our children and future generations. A woman, as a mother is utterly concerned about the wellbeing of her family, likewise, it is important to understand that choosing the right representative and Government would help in redressing the issues that are plaguing our society and ensuring a better environment for us and our future generations.

Do you know about the all women’s party that’s going to contest elections or the various actresses who will be on the political battleground this year? Stay tuned to Her Zindagi to read all about this and more on Elections 2019.