The fight for political rights continues

In the first general election in independent India way back in 1951, the total electoral strength of Madras is reported to have been six lakhs. Women comprised half of the voting public.

The city saw seven women candidates (three from Mylapore, three from Triplicane and one from Thousand Lights) contesting the elections. The dismal representation of women in the democratic process became a talking point in public discourse.

However, over five decades later, in 2009, there were only five women candidates in Chennai, two short of the number in 1951.

The Women’s Indian Association of Madras, in 1951, was in the forefront of highlighting the importance of women participating in the elections.

S. Muthulakshmi Reddy, the chairperson of the Association, reiterated it was the responsibility of women to exercise their franchise.

On December 18 1951, the Association even organised a meeting in Madras Beach exclusively for women, where various parties came and explained their policies and programmes. The women of Madras were called on to support only those candidates who agreed to implement its 14-point manifesto.

Abolishing dowry, implementing the Hindu code bill, widow remarriage and the education of women were some issues which found prominence in the manifesto.

The Association also made an effort to bring to the notice of party men the value of empowering women in the political sphere. In a letter to the editor in The Hindu dated November 13, 1951, Mrs. Reddy recalled the contribution of women in the struggle for independence and argued for a greater number of women being recommended as political representatives of parties.

The legacy of the Women’s Indian Association will be perpetuated as thousands of women go to vote today.