Political empowerment and Tribal Women Of Manipur
- Part 3 -
Dr. Benjamin Gangmei *
The Role and Political Position of Tangkhul and Anal women
The role of women in Tangkhul and Anal traditional political life was also practically nil. As for the former the "Hangva" (village council) was exclusively a male-dominated political institution. Even if there was democratic element as far as the mode of recruitment of different members is concerned, there was no women representation to it.
A member including "Awunga" village chief, was either elected or selected by the majority of clan heads living in the village. While gone is gone now representation of women in political process can no longer be neglected in their present society. It is said that women without political role is not amounted to their inferiority.
For her part played in domestic plane was immensely praiseworthy. That is, women were enduringly busier than the menfolk and spent more time having almost no time to rest. It does not mean Tangkhul women did not enjoy freedom. They did enjoy freedom. In fact, it was freedom that allowed her to be an effective player after her womanhood. It is said that her husband consulted her in "all domestic and family affairs. She helps him make decisions, performs domestic duties and shares household responsibilities with him."
Like the Tangkhul women, Anal women also did have no political status in their traditional society. They also bore the brunt of patriachal system. It is said that all known sources of information did not find the mention of "any woman becoming village top official even though she possessed the required qualifications."
So, the village council which was consisted of four functionaries was exclusively manned by male members. The Kholpu was chief of the village and of the council. And Petha was security head, Athim (village physician) and Thorsu was the maker of implements.
It is interesting to note that the traditional village council was replaced after 1956 and its structure was also transformed. In present day Anal society there are seven (7) members of Village Authority which replaced the traditional council but the traditional structure is retained by including those four functionaries.
Even such change in the administrative structure no women are said to have represented to it.13 Yet no all-out efforts on the part of women and men for women empowerment are observed heretofore in Anal society.
Attitude of women to their political rights is required to change henceforward for politically pushing themselves forward in male-dominated Anal society. In other words, change must be made in man-woman political relationship to enable Anal women to emulate themselves.
To be continued....
* Dr. Benjamin Gangmei wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao (English Edition)
This article was webcasted on November 26, 2010.
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