Least number of women voted this time in last 23 yrs

EXPERTS SAYS EVEN AS WOMEN ARE MORE EDUCATED AND AWARE THAN BEFORE, MALE DOMINANCE IS STILL THERE AND THE CHANGE IS SLOW

CHANDIGARH:THE voting percentage of women electors in the Haryana assembly elections held on Monday has shown a dip, the lowest in the last 23 years.

The overall turnout this time is 68.31%. A little over 69% voters are male and 67.12% women.

In the 2014 assembly elections, of a total of 76.13% turnout, 76.59% male and 75.59% female electors had voted. In 2009, 71.11% women had exercised their franchise.

Political scientists say though more gender segregating data and studies on urban and rural women voters’ turnout are required to conclude any trend with certainty, there could be various reasons behind fall in women voter turnout.

Dr Randendra Sharma, head, political science department, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, said even as women are more educated and aware than before, male dominance is still there and the change is slow.

“Women are still not independent as individuals and are dependent on the male members of their families when it comes to decision-making, especially in the state’s hinterland,” he said.

Prof Pampa Mukherjee, who teaches political science at Panjab University, Chandigarh, said this may also indicate that despite various social security schemes and campaigns for the fair sex, the symbolism alone has not worked to the desired extent.

“Even as the decline is obvious, more substantive efforts are needed by political parties to bring women out,’’ Prof Mukherjee added.