Women's issues: The reality! :

Are we only paying lip service?

by Anuradha Kodagoda

Who is a woman? Is she human ? Is she a daughter, a wife or a mother? Is she defined by men or is she standing on her own? What does she want?

Even though we may never find answers to these questions, it is important to raise these issues at least on that single 'sweet' day dedicated to women as opposed to the rest of the days being dedicated to men!

“We celebrate the 106th International Women's Day today under the theme ‘Better Country for Women'. The theme talks of gender equality, which is still a burning issue in our country.

Although many women in advanced societies enjoy liberty and freedom, thousands of others are suppressed and tortured under the guise of morality.

A continuous struggle to overcome these issues is important throughout the year without confining it to a celebration of a single-day ,” the newly appointed Minister of Women's Affairs, Chandrani Bandara told the Sunday Observer.

Although we talk 'big' about women's rights and the importance of treating them equally, most of the time, in real life it is practised to the contrary.

Being an Asian country, the notions about a woman's place in society, as well as her place within her family are still in conflict.

In this context, we spoke to the Minister of Women's Affairs, Chandrani Bandara about many issues and conflicts that women face in their day- to- day lives, even though the celebrations paint a different picture.

Excerpts:

Q: What is your opinion of legalizing prostitution?

A: We are discussing this matter but have not come to a conclusion as yet. These are sensitive areas and could be controversial. I am constrained where my opinion is concerned.

Q: Although in our country prostitution is illegal, there are thousands of women who are involved in this profession for their livelihood and they face enormous issues in terms of health, social acceptance and many other legal issues which is not the case with their customers; as they are men. What is your opinion?

A: It is important to consider all these areas and come to a firm solution. However, at this moment I'm not in a position to talk about this matter in detail as we have not decided anything in particular

Q: Even though there are sufficient laws and regulations being introduced to prevent domestic violence against women, the reported number of incidents is increasing by the day and the number of unreported incidents can be even more.

It is mainly due to a lack of proactive involvement of the relevant authorities, as our moral values discourage women from standing for their rights but encourages them to tolerate. What do you think?

A: Yes this is true. The involvement of the relevant authorities is slow on these matters as these are not in our priority list.

Recently we presented a commission to report to Parliament on 'Violence against women and children'. There we included important reform that has to be taken within the legal framework in terms of securing the safety of women and children in the country. We hope we'll get a favourable feedback to proceed further.

Q: Eve-teasing is a major harassment that women face especially in public transport. Even though there are strong legal conditions being introduced to assure women's protection, many are not aware about the legal situation. What action can be taken to create this awareness in society?

A: As you said it is important to create awareness especially about the legal position regarding these matters. We hope to introduce awareness programs especially in rural areas to educate women about the importance of standing for their rights.In society as well as the authorities are not taking these issues seriously. An attitudinal change is vital by the authorities to secure women's rights.

Although we already have a hot line - 1938, where any women can call and lodge their complaints, the system is not efficient.

We hope to re-launch the hotline and create awareness among women about this facility. We had a discussion with the relevant Police authorities and they extended their support to launch the service and we hope to have a special unit at the Women's Affairs Ministry premises soon. The service is active 24/7. A special police unit has been set up where they visit immediately and will take relevant action in the case of the compliant lodged within a 50KM distance. In the case of complaints beyond 50KM, the relevant police station in the area will be contacted and arrangements will be made immediately for action to be initiated.

Q: Every year we celebrate Women's Day as a ritual and nothing more happens for the betterment of women. Don't you think it's an outdated concept?

A: As I believe we shouldn't restrict Women's Day celebration just for a perticular day. However we celebrate it every year to remind and merit their priceless involvement for the betterment of the country and also their contribution in every household.

The celebration is a reminder to every citizen of the importance of protecting them, understand the problems of being a woman and ultimately to bring a better day for her.

I think it's not an outdated concept but is important to celebrate it at least once a year.

Q:˜Better Country for Women' is this year's Women's Day theme. What are the objectives of this year's celebration?

A: Irrespective of the country or other disparities, from the day that every child is born, there's a strong bond between a mother and a child. Living in a society where humanity is disappearing, it is of paramount importance to emphasize the role of women or the mother in society. The importance of women's education, health, stable livelihood and a secure atmosphere to live freely are the priorities in this year's celebration.

Q: Although the previous regime showed an anti-women attitude, strong political characters of the likes of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranathunga and Hirunika Premachandra's decisive involvement supported heavily on changing the previous political culture.

To raise the quota of women representation in Parliament up to 25 to 30 percent is now the national need of the country. What's your opinion?

A: Considering the current percentages of women's involvement with politics at district level and in the Parliament is very poor.

Especially in Parliament it is only 5.8percent women's participation in Parliament. In a country where the population of the women is 52 percent, this percentage is not sufficient at all. Our culture and social beliefs restrict women from handling responsible positions, which is a major reason for poor involvement of women in Parliament.

However, compared to other Asian countries which have the same cultural barriers, sometimes more than us, our situation is quite poor. In Asian countries, political parties appreciate and influence women's involvement in politics which is not happening in Sri Lanka.

It is important to introduce this quota system soon in Sri Lankan politics. If we can have sufficient women representation in every place, where important decisions are being made, we can expect better and honest administration than what we have today.

We had a successful discussion with Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and a few other relevant officials about this timely matter and the outcome was quite positive. We hope we can introduce the quota system before the upcoming general election.

Q: The importance of legalizing abortion has been in the pipeline for a long time. However, none of the Governments could take this radical change in society due to cultural and religious constraints. Can we expect this change at least during your tenure?

A: It is quite a sensitive and complex question to answer. We are paying attention and are discussing the matter. Personally I believe it's vital to legalize abortion under strict rules and regulations, especially for children less than 14 years, who conceive as a result of rape, because it is matter of the future of the child. At least in this situation, we should look at it in human angle and consider.

Q: Although foreign exchange mainly depends on women who work as domestics in foreign countries and the country's economy mainly depends on these housemaids, without facilitating security why is the Government discouraging them from going abroad?

A: We experienced many tragic incidents that happened to women who went on abroad as housemaids. I'm not 100 percent against sending our women abroad for these jobs but it is vital to consider their family situation as well. For example those who have children, a mother's role in the family is vital and that could decide the future of the children.

Although women go abroad for the betterment of their children and family, I believe mothers must be with their children at least till they grow up to a certain age. My intention is to find job opportunities for these women where they can earn the same amount by being in the country with their children.

Q: What is your opinion about legalizing lesbian rights?

A: It is important to treat everyone equally without considering their sexual preferences. However, this is a sensitive area where I can't give my opinion freely.