Features | Online edition of Daily News

Theirs is the hand that rocks the cradle; the touch that rules the nation, yet what do they have to say for themselves? Daily News decided to ask the very question from those enigmatic women in power. Twelve out of today's 225 parliamentarians are women. Nine from preferential votes, three from the National List; six each from the ruling party and the Opposition; two Cabinet Ministers, one Deputy Minister

Dulshani Gunawardena and Disna Mudalige

Water Supply and Drainage Deputy Minister Nirupama Rajapaksa aptly described the situation facing women when they want to enter politics;

"For a woman to get into politics in this country is a very difficult thing indeed! I've been in this field as far from 1983, and if an old hand like me says so, what talk of the others? Even securing a place on the list of nominations is a battle."

"Today widowhood and stardom are our 'qualifying' factors to politics. Nearly all of us entered politics through family ties. Since of late, the popularity factor is taking a major toll. Even our own party opted to nominate celebrities in the arts and sports fields. Yet, how can they promise an enduring political presence after merely being elected due to their celebrity status?"

Nirupama enthusiastically speculates the work ahead, Water Supply and Drainage Ministry being different than the usual female-oriented Ministries,

"I'm glad that I will be able to serve the people, specially the people from my electorate. One of Hambantota's main concerns is drinking water and in this capacity, I have ample opportunity to serve them."

Women in politics

Thalatha Atukorala of the United National Party (UNP) and heading the preferential vote base in the Ratnapura District says that it was her brother's influence rather than her heart's desire that had driven her into politics.

Maintaining a good profile, she points out, is very hard for women in politics. They are always looked down and underestimated by society. In this field, one has to be very strong to resist the false propaganda directed against oneself, and women are easily subject to this kind of situation. Once the self image is tarnished, it is difficult to reverse the situation.

A woman is posed with great responsibility in balancing her family obligations with politics. The task is not very easy as the success of a family rests upon the shoulder of the wife and mother. She has to learn to build good understanding with each and every person she deals with.

In her opinion, the practical knowledge to handle everything and educational level of a satisfactory degree is essential for a female MP to successfully carry out the duties entitled to her.

"She should have the common touch and should be able to mingle with all kinds of people," she explained.

"With 52 percent of the country's population consisting of women and 75 percent of the economy handled by women, their contribution in the decision making level should be more. This should be done with a proper plan starting from grassroots level. Concentrating on the increase of the number of women in local authority level would be a good initiative. Making women aware of the importance of their role by carrying out awareness programs would be necessary," she concluded.

Constitutional change

Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Pavithra Wanniaarachchi expressed hope that the proposed constitutional change would bring forward a long desired change through providing a quota for women in the senate. Women have to fend for themselves, she notes, relating an anecdote from her own experience. During the last Parliament session, the Local Government elect committee was appointed. There not being a single female representative in the committee, Pavithra, in her own words, had forced herself in. Finally her request for a 40 percent representation in the nominations resulted in at least one female nomination being made compulsory. "Powerful female politicians cannot be created overnight. It's a process that takes time and all measures should be taken to address this issue."

Politics, she goes on, was in her blood, yet it is the happiness she derives that keeps her going. In a time when it is extremely difficult for a woman to endure in politics, she has been a survivor and attributes her success to the devotion she has for her job. "I do politics for myself; for my happiness. Helping somebody gives me a thrill. I am happy with my Ministry.

The rapid development that we can look forward to in the future can lead to a cultural shock and my Ministry has a major role to play in its elimination." Yet when asked her opinion of Women's Affairs Ministry being handed over to a man, Pavithra simply stated that it was the President's and not her appointment. After the stalwarts, we took a look at the new faces in Parliament.

Politician by preference

Sudarshanie Fernandopulle, wife of the late Jeyraj Fernandopulle is a medical doctor by profession and a politician by preference! The picture she presents of female equality is much more optimistic than her counterparts.

"Politics is nothing new to me," she says. "I have been alongside my husband for a long time. Following his death, I acted as the organiser for the Katana electorate. Really, I feel no special emotion on being elected to Parliament! To me, it is just an official recognition as a politician to do what I have always done - serving the people."

"Women have been stereotyped; they have been wired to believe so. I used to think that my primary role was that of a mother and wife, but if you are stuck in that rut, you will suffer forever. People will continue to look down upon you. There will be no change."

Working heads and shoulders with men, she says that the Sri Lanka of today has gone beyond the confines of male domination. The mindset of the people is such, that as a newly contesting candidate, she was able to garner the second highest preferential vote in the Gampaha District.

So what does she, an extremely educated woman, say to the debate of the quality of female representation?

"Education and intelligence are two separate entities. Just because a person is educated does not guarantee that s/he will be a better politician. Being in touch with the people, moving around with them and understanding their needs and wants are as important." Empowerment, she emphasizes, is the key word, the key issue to be addressed. In today's world, the woman's economic and social contribution is great and she should be empowered to recognize her share in the world and move forward in decision-making.

Play of fate

Upeksha Swarnamali was a budding actress, and for entrance to politics was a play of fate.

"I never dreamt of entering politics. All this changed in the previous Presidential Election, when I expressed my support for the rival candidate. My life was in turmoil when I was thrown out of my role in a major teledrama due to my political affiliations. Ironically, this was what led me to politics."

"It's not easy, and yes, I do feel nervous. I know I have a lot to learn and I am already working to expand my horizons with special training and a panel of advisors."

Proving herself, she says, is the motive that drives her on. Despite a high vote base, coming second in the Gampaha District, the majority of her fellow MPs, she says, have little regard for her.

"The moment I got to know that I had won the election, I decided that this would be a journey of my own, one which I would travel alone, not depending too much on anybody for guidance."

"It is not only political savvy that is needed, but also the ability to retain your touch with the people following elections." Despite no great financial stability present, Upeksha strives towards helping the needy through the 'Upeksha Swarnamali Foundation'.

"We are currently conducting a survey in the Gampaha electorate in the aim of recognizing the major issues of the people and providing a remedy for at least one.

[UPFA]