Panaji : All India Mahila Congress President Shoba Oza today alleged that statements made by some of the Goa ministers about women betrayed their gender prejudices and the “mindest” of the government itself.
“Sexist remarks that Chief Minister (Laxmikant Parsekar) and local ministers have been making in Goa clearly showcase the mindset of the government as far as women are concerned,” Oza told reporters at a press conference here.
“We (women) don’t want to be dictated as to what kind of clothes we should wear, how we should conduct ourselves and we don’t give the authority to any person to tell us what is our duty,” she said, referring to the statements made by by some Goa ministers in the past.
“We know our rights which the Indian constitution has ensured us,” she added.
Recently, State Water Resources Department minister Dayanand Mandrekar was quoted by local media saying that women are more busy with televisions because of which they don’t even tend to their husbands once they return from office.
Similarly, State Public Works Department Minister Sudin Dhavalikar had triggered a controversy when he said that swimming suits should be banned on the beaches.
Also, Parsekar was accused of asking the women who were striking for permanent jobs not to agitate in the sun as they might get a tan, which may pose a hindrance in getting a good husband.
Oza said people who make sexist remarks go on to show they place women in their lives. “They should respect the diversity of the country. We will not allow any section to destroy this diversity,” she said.
Talking about upcoming Goa Legislative Assembly polls, Oza said Mahila Congress has demanded that the party should give atleast five (out of 40 seats) to the women. “We will also talk to women leaders in different constituencies who would like to contest polls,” she added.
PTI