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by Malini Govinnage

"More women are needed in Parliament and local bodies, especially at decision making levels, to put forward the many issues affecting women, and take gender-sensitive positions on matters of national interest", says the foreword to the Women's Manifesto 2001 prepared and placed before the public and all political parties by a caucus of 12 women's organizations.

This is an update of Women's Manifesto 2000, reiterating the same issues and adding a few suggestions to lay emphasis on certain areas of women's issues.Manifesto 2000 did not seem to have much response or seemed not heeded to and the injustices and inequities in the areas concerned towards women have been going on more pronouncedly and more visibly. Moreover, women have been shunning politics.

The foreword to the Manifesto further states: Representation of women in the institutions of governance at all levels in Sri Lanka has been deplorably low. In Parliament there has been a decline from 4.8% in 1994 to 4% in the year 2000. The statistics of women in Parliament rank Sri Lanka amongst the lowest in the world and even in South Asia.

Nonetheless, women form half the electorate and all parties woo the women for their vote.

Manifesto 2001 reiterates women be given a quota in Parliament. It recommends:

A) A minimum of 30% quota of women at local Government level, i.e. in Pradeshiya Sabhas, Municipal and Urban Councils and Provincial Councils.

B) A minimum of 30% quota of women in Parliament, and 50% of these appointed to the National List should be women.

Why do we need quotas? Quotas are one way of addressing some of the economic problems of women. And it helps to debunk certain ideological assumptions in social relations.

This is a significant factor which prevents women from participation in political life.

Inequitable gender relations help for the women's roles to be 'Proper' in society and to fulfil her 'duties and responsibilities'. On the other hand, this inequitability is a great constraint for her active political participation. The most obvious fact for women not coming into politics is the level of violence and character assassination against women who dare to come out.The manner in which the issue of women's participation in politics treated in Sri Lanka is much shameful: We are the 97th in the world in women's political participation. And, the literacy rate of our women is 90%- one of the highest in South Asia. At present, participation of women in Parliament, which is 4.8% is the same as in the period 1931-1936 State Council.

Another injustice that the Manifesto highlights and recommends correction is the disfranchisement of migrant workers most of whom are women.

It recommends: Voting rights for Sri Lankan migrant workers abroad (about one million people) the great majority of whom are women.

The governments since 1970s have well realized the importance of the remittances of migrant labour to our economy. In fact, the government in its budget proposals for the year 2001 has emphasized overseas employment as one of the highest priority areas which should be taken care of, because government has realized that it is the labour of our migrant workers which contribute immensely to keep the wheels of our economy turning.

In 1999, 1,59,046 people left the country for migrant labour. Out of this 73,446 were women. Of these too, 90% have gone as domestic workers. In the year 2000, of the 176,000 people who left for employment abroad 65% are females. Migrant labour sent to Middle East by Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau alone earned Rs. 283 billion in Foreign exchange in the year 2000, topping the earnings of the previous year by 12%.

The statistics above clearly show the place the female migrant workers have in our economy. They bring in this wealth undergoing immense hardships-underpayment, sexual harassments, physical and mental torture, disruption of their family life and sometimes death at its worst.

Reiterating franchisement of migrant women in the Manifesto 2001 is a reminder to all political parties that they just could not leave them out in their future economic plans, and also a demand of one of the due rights of these women.

Sri Lanka became a party to Convention on the Rights of Migrant workers and the Members of their Families, in March 1996. The Convention binds Sri Lankan government to protect the rights of the migrant workers. Voting right is a fundamental right of a person. But both these men and women have been denied this right. In addition, there are other conventions which emphasize and protect the rights of migrant workers to vote. They are the universal Declaration of Human Rights and The International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.

As Sri Lanka is bound by these International Conventions and Declarations it has the responsibility to undertake legislative and other measures necessary to implement the provisions of these Conventions and Declarations.

Set aside all these International treaties and Conventions there is a moral responsibility on the part of any government towards these workers who bring in much needed Foreign exchange.

The last lap of the Manifesto lists out seven supportive measures needed to implement the proposals given under the headings: politics, law reform, violence, economy, media, health, education, culture, and society and conflict.

One is on Ministry of Women's Affairs: The appointment of a Minister who is familiar with women's issues and the need for gender equity; and further training of Ministry officials in all gender issues.

Since the establishment of Women's Ministry we have had several women's ministers. There was ample evidence during their office that their awareness and sensitivity on gender issues were very little.

At some occasions they were oblivious of the fact that they too were perpetuating the shackles and injustices meted out to women.

Manifesto 2001 also steps ahead that of 2000, in the recommendations on culture and society by calling for "measures to eliminate alcoholism and drug abuse".

Under health it suggests: Counselling programs for women in stress/crisis situations.

More research and action on mental health problems, including the high rates of suicides among youth.

It also calls for "recognition of female headed households and the formation of affirmative polices to deal with their specific concerns".

Manifesto 2001 is a good guide to any political party that genuinely wish to raise the Human Development Index in the country. Today, in measuring development in a country HDI comes on par with GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and GNP (Gross National Product) indices. Human Development Index is measured in terms of health and sanitation, nutrition, education and gender equity of women and children-the corner stones of a country's development.

In Sri Lanka, we have made some progress in this context. Certain laws affecting women and children have been reformed. Women's economic and social status have been improved. There is some sensitization on gender issues in society. Literacy rate is high.

Still, there are areas which need much attention.

It is more women who bear the burden of poverty. Economic exploitation of women is going on. There are areas where women are legally discriminated. And, there are many patriarchal practises and attitudes which do women much harm. Their full participation in politics is prevented due to violence and intimidation.

To correct these wrongs towards women and to enable them to fully participate in the development process and also to enjoy full benefits of that development, more women are needed in our legislative bodies- Parliament and local governments.

Although Political parties have their own Manifestos it is worthy of taking into consideration the many issues listed in this document as well, by them.

Because, they are the needs of half the electorate, and also of the whole foundation of the country's future.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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