On May 16 poll day, it would be a woman's day out in Coimbatore. This time, a total of 11 women will contest the assembly election from the 10 constituencies in Coimbatore, a big leap from the poll in 2011 which had only one woman contestant.
This indicates that women are now, more than ever, interested in playing a larger role in the political arena. Considering that Tamil Nadu is largely governed by patriarchy, this jump assumes greater significance in that women are ready to fight and overcome their circumstances to enter politics.
There's a long way to go however, since parties are not keen on backing women candidates. Although women are given opportunities at the panchayat level, when it comes to moving up the ladder, parties prefer to rely on men. One key deciding factor is money. Parties are willing to back candidates with money and more often than not, women are dependent on their spouses for income. Regardless, many women are contesting as Independents, a testament to the growing assertion of women in politics.
Political analyst M Kasinathan however says that parties are looking to field more women in the Lok Sabha elections. "Parties are thinking about bringing in 33% reservation in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. They believe that women leaders are more accessible," he said.
In 2011, while 13 women filed nominations from Coimbatore North (6), Thondamuthur (2), Coimbatore South (2), Singanallur (2), Pollachi (1) and Valaparai (1), only one woman from Thondamuthur, Kannammal Jagadeesan, 67, ended up fighting the election. While 11 nominations were rejected by the election commission, the candidate from Valparai withdrew her nomination.
This time, a total of 41 women filed nominations, and 11 women will contest the elections, the highest being from Coimbatore South- three candidates. In 2011, six women filed nominations from Coimbatore North. Coimbatore South has the highest number of women candidates this time, because it has a significant women voter base.
The prominent women candidates in the fray are, the BJP state vice-president Vanathi Srinivasan who is contesting from Coimbatore South, former union council chairman of Valparai, Kasthuri Vasu (AIADMK) and former councillor of the Coimbatore Corporation, Meena Logu (DMK), who will contest from Coimbatore North.
Vanathi Srinivasan, 45, of Thondamuthur, says that she has been socially active since her college days. "I was active in politics and social activities since my college days. Women find it easier to talk to me about their issues," she said.
While eight out of the 11 candidates are contesting with a political backing, there are three Independent candidates. Aruna D, 45, the candidate from Kavundampalayam, wants to see change. "Everyone wants a corruption-free state, transparency in operations and prohibition," she said.
This indicates that women are now, more than ever, interested in playing a larger role in the political arena. Considering that Tamil Nadu is largely governed by patriarchy, this jump assumes greater significance in that women are ready to fight and overcome their circumstances to enter politics.
There's a long way to go however, since parties are not keen on backing women candidates. Although women are given opportunities at the panchayat level, when it comes to moving up the ladder, parties prefer to rely on men. One key deciding factor is money. Parties are willing to back candidates with money and more often than not, women are dependent on their spouses for income. Regardless, many women are contesting as Independents, a testament to the growing assertion of women in politics.
Political analyst M Kasinathan however says that parties are looking to field more women in the Lok Sabha elections. "Parties are thinking about bringing in 33% reservation in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. They believe that women leaders are more accessible," he said.
In 2011, while 13 women filed nominations from Coimbatore North (6), Thondamuthur (2), Coimbatore South (2), Singanallur (2), Pollachi (1) and Valaparai (1), only one woman from Thondamuthur, Kannammal Jagadeesan, 67, ended up fighting the election. While 11 nominations were rejected by the election commission, the candidate from Valparai withdrew her nomination.
This time, a total of 41 women filed nominations, and 11 women will contest the elections, the highest being from Coimbatore South- three candidates. In 2011, six women filed nominations from Coimbatore North. Coimbatore South has the highest number of women candidates this time, because it has a significant women voter base.
The prominent women candidates in the fray are, the BJP state vice-president Vanathi Srinivasan who is contesting from Coimbatore South, former union council chairman of Valparai, Kasthuri Vasu (AIADMK) and former councillor of the Coimbatore Corporation, Meena Logu (DMK), who will contest from Coimbatore North.
Vanathi Srinivasan, 45, of Thondamuthur, says that she has been socially active since her college days. "I was active in politics and social activities since my college days. Women find it easier to talk to me about their issues," she said.
While eight out of the 11 candidates are contesting with a political backing, there are three Independent candidates. Aruna D, 45, the candidate from Kavundampalayam, wants to see change. "Everyone wants a corruption-free state, transparency in operations and prohibition," she said.