BANGALORE: A lot has been said and written about women’s empowerment, but Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) corporators, for many reasons, do not really pass with flying colours when it comes to this. However, some women corporators stand out. City Express finds out more on their achievements.
Geetha Sreenivas, Corporator of Domlur, has taken up considerable developmental works in her ward. Amongst her future projects, is the ambitious private-public initiative in her ward. A hi-tech park and a skywalk with an estimated cost of more than `3 crore.
On initiatives taken to help women, she said, “I have made sure that all the women in my ward take the advantage of BBMP schemes. Under the ‘Stree Shakti’ initiative, we have provided small-term loans to enable them to be self reliant. We have even taught them how to open an account and save every month some portions of their husbands’ income and maintain a book.”
Family is a priority for her and she manages to cook for her daughter and visit her school to attend all parent-teacher meetings.
Attur Corporator, K N Geetha ShashiKumar, also happens to be the Chairman of Standing Committee on Health and her take on women corporators differs drastically. She says, “I do not think it is difficult for women corporators in any way. I always had the support from my family and MLA Viswanath. Although, I was never interested in politics, I ended up here and now I feel very satisfied with my work.”
The Corporator of Padarayanapura, Najini Begum, too agrees with Shashikumar’s viewpoint. “I find no discrimination among the colleagues apart from the problems posed by opposition, the ex-corporator and his rowdyism.”
She has introduced a special awareness programme called ‘Sameer’ for Muslim women, who are provided with skill-training to generate income and become self-sufficient. Similar efforts are also being made by Shashikalla, Corporator of Subramanyanagar. She said, “I have initiated old age pension for elderly women and houses constructed for SC/ST. Even computer classes, embroidery classes ranging from six months to one year are held.”
On a positive note, Deputy Mayor, S Harish, said: “Today, women corporators are doing great work, what with our own Mayor being a lady.” Indeed, something to be proud about.