Women take centre stage in civic body ›
Haryanvi women have made their mark in the field of sports and defence. Today’s poll came as an affirmation that women are starting to make inroads into the political space as well SUNITA YADAV, independent councillor from Ward 22
GURGAON: After a wait of 17 months, Gurgaon on Friday got a mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. All three posts were bagged by women candidates, a feat lauded by residents as well as politicians in the city.
“I am glad that the three posts have been filled and we can approach them (the three post holders) with our concerns for redressal. Their presence gives us hope that there will be someone to fight for our issues when officials fail us,” Deepak Singla, a resident of DLF Phase 3, said.
The symbolism around the three plum posts going to women wasn’t lost on the sitting councillors either.
“Haryanvi women have already made their mark in the field of sports and defence services. Today’s election came as an affirmation that women are starting to make inroads into the state’s political space as well,” Sunita Yadav, an independent councillor for Ward 22, said.
For Arti Yadav, the councillor of ward 32, the election of women candidates to the coveted posts is proof that hard work and public service never go unrewarded when it comes to elections.
“All three elected members have been involved in public service at the grassroots level for a long time. Their election (to the posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor) is a massive boost to women empowerment,” Yadav, councillor of Ward 32, said.
Residents’ welfare associations (RWAS), too, cheered the elevation of women councillors to the top posts.
“The election of the three candidates is in sync with the government’s initiative to make people realise the importance of women in society through the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign,” Dinesh Vashist, president, RWAS, sectors 3, 5 and 6, said.
Social activists hoped that the women councillors would put across their views and suggestions to the Gurgaon civic body and strive towards implementing them.
“If you look at Gurgaon, most social and environmental activism or campaigns are spearheaded by women. The appointment of three women leaders creates an opportunity for activists to highlight issues such as women safety in the city with them,” Shubhra Puri, founder of Gurgaon First, a citizen’s initiative for sustainable development, said.