Commentary/E M S Namboodiripad

Without liberty for women there can be no liberty for men

I would like to discuss the problems that women face today.

Basically, there are three. The first is exploitation. Equality for women is imperative to solve this. The second is that many do not recognise women as part of a system. Today's women are part of the working class and peasant movements. The third problem is the deprivations she is suffering as a citizen of the country. The women's movement should try to involve women in all walks of life.

Women's liberalisation is pertinent everywhere. As per Hindu custom, a women is always under the control of men. In her childhood she is controlled by her father, in her youth by her husband and in old age by her son. Muslim and Christian women are always under the control of their religion.

Atrocities on women are common. All religions treat women as second class members. The atrocities on women will end only when they are treated as equals. This is what is needed today.

When we say women are part of a class it means they are part of the entire population. A united front consisting of working class and peasant organisations can do a lot to solve the basic problems mentioned earlier.

Women should be given due representation in politics. Unfortunately, the Bill providing for one-third reservation to women in Parliament and state assemblies could not be passed due to strong opposition from certain quarters. I hope that everybody will join together to get the Bill passed during the current Parliament session.

What we need to understand is that the problems facing women are not theirs alone. It involves the men too. Without liberty for them, how can there be liberty for men? After all, they constitute nearly half of our population. Thus, it is our commmon need to solve the problems confronting women and ensure equality for them in the society.

I think the progressive movement in the country can do a lot in this regard.

E M S Namboodiripad is the doyen of the Marxist movement in India.

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