Urgent need for many more women mayors!

There may be parity between men and women with regard to proficiency in various fields, but women are the undisputed leaders when it comes to home management! They ensure that all the intricate domestic issues are handled efficiently for the well being of each family member.

Hence, women mayors would do immense justice to their obligatory and discretionary role of ensuring the city’s cleanliness and other essential public services like regular supply of potable water, street lighting, good roads, maintenance and support of public hospitals, establishment and maintenance of primary schools, housing for low income families, development of parks and gardens, provision of transport facilities etc.

Yet, less than 5% of the world’s mayors are women and they account for just 20% of local councillors!

Another major concern is the increasing gender gap and declining sex ratio in India. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2017 released by the World Economic Forum, India has moved to 108th place on the Gender Gap Index, behind neighbours, China and Bangladesh.

This is primarily attributed to the dismally low participation of women in politics and governance as well as poor health, life expectancy and basic literacy.

Hence, there is an urgent need for many more women mayors!

They would undoubtedly have the sensitivity and commitment to deal with all these wide ranging issues, which would enhance the quality of life and happiness quotient of any city.