Women ignored by two major parties

It is one of the greatest ironies that the two major parties of the country, both of which are headed by women, should be so apathetic when it comes to including women in local government. This is evident from the measly number of mayoral nominations given out by the two parties. Out of the 234 mayoral posts the ruling Awami League nominated only 7 women while the BNP only one woman for the upcoming December 30 municipality polls. As for all the other parties, not a single one had nominated a female candidate.

Such blatant gender discrimination is jarring in the wake of tall talks by the two major parties, especially, regarding women's empowerment. The excuse that women candidates were not chosen because they do not enjoy the same level of popularity as the nominated male candidates is not acceptable. It is the responsibility of each political party to groom and evaluate women leaders at the grassroots level so that they can actively be part of the local government elections. The most important benchmark of women's empowerment is their increased political participation. By excluding women from contesting the polls, these parties have shown their prejudice against women in the political arena.

And added to that the EC's issuing of stereotyped electoral symbols for women candidates, such as gas stove, doll and frock, reinforce the chauvinistic political environment that women with political aspirations have to contend with. It is a shame that the major parties have echoed such sexism in the way they have chosen to ignore women in the local government elections.