KOCHI: On the eve of International Women's Day, CPM politburo member Brinda Karat spoke to MK Sunil Kumar on gender issues within the party and in the society. Excerpts from a telephonic interview:
CPM's Kerala unit is undertaking a drive to improve women's membership in the party to 25%. How do you view this?
In 2016, we decided to increase the women's membership in the party, not only in Kerala but in the entire country, to 25%. What we are seeing is that women are participating in many struggles and they are active in every field. But their recruitment in the party has been inadequate. In the past few years, there has been an improvement in the situation. For example, in six to seven districts of Kerala, we have over 25% women members. But, the state average is at 20%. We have to increase it in other districts too.
How do you plan to improve women's membership?
Every branch of the party has the responsibility. For our party, the branch is the unit of recruitment. We have given a call to all the branches to recruit a minimum number of women. If that happens, we will definitely achieve the target.
What is the major impediment for improving women's strength in the party?
It is the dismissive attitude towards the work women are doing. The approach doesn't reflect the recognition for the wonderful work that the women are doing. In other parties, like BJP which has a missed call membership programme, anybody can become a member. Still, the strength of women in other parties is very low. As far as membership is concerned, CPM is not like other parties. It is a long process to get a membership. In Kerala, we are increasing women's strength. It is an encouraging sign of improvement.
There were reports that many delegates, including R Bindu, a minister in the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet and a special invitee to the state committee, raised the issue of inequality faced by women in the party. How do you view this?
Those are our party discussions. I can't comment on the issue. CPM is the only party which recognizes women.
On Women's Day, your message to the women.
My warm regards on Women's Day. Let's pledge to stand together to defend and advance our hard-earned rights. Let's say no to male chauvinism, no to caste, no to inequality. Happy Women's Day.
