Voices
Men will never agree that VAWIP exists. They say that they have given women the opportunity. Politics and economy are correlated. Until women are financially dependent on men they will continue to dominate. So long as women and men do not come together, the problem cannot be solved.
-Ms. Sahana Pradhan
Former minister of Foreign Affairs,
Nepal
VAWIP should not just recognize physical intimidation. It should also address more subtle forms of violence. Economic dependence, social status of women- these are the roads that lead to violence against women. Women are affected more and differently from these conditions. Women too have a right to dignified life and we must work together for it.
-Nazly Qumrunessa
lawyer,
Bangladesh
In the past, people have been successful in closing down environment insensitive projects. So this means, we can pressurize the government and international donors and supporters to stop promoting gender insensitive projects as well. Conferences like this will create an environment where we can demand them to stop such projects. For this, concrete benchmark should be set. We, also have to define clearly what gender sensitive projects encompass.
-Camena Guneratne
Senior lecturer (Open University of Sri Lanka)
There is a fear among men that if they allow women to participate in decision making they won't find opportunity to impose their will on anyone. So they want to push back women in politics. We have to accept that there are hurdles for women in politics. These are challenges we need to overcome. We are here to learn more from each other and do something together.
-. Suraia Perlika,
Afghanistan
We have to break the culture of silence as we have not been able to bring the issue of VAWIP to the forefront. It is also important to break the culture of humiliation. We need to learn from each other's experience if we want to make this transformation.
-Venkat Rammnayya
Executive Director, Youth for Action,
India
33% is the magic figure. 33% is that critical mass required to make the voice of the marginalized group heard. So women should have 33% seat reservation in politics. But we must ensure quality participation. The seats should not be distributed just to fill the numbers.
-Syed Narul Alam
Executive Director
SAP Bangladesh
