Mizoram has only seen four women MLAs since its formation in 1972. At present, there are no women representatives in its state assembly. However, 16 women candidates are contesting the assembly polls on November 7. 

This reporter spoke to public intellectuals, women candidates and political leaders about the women politician’s aspirations, challenges faced by them, and the reason of low participation of women in Mizoram’s electoral politics.  

“Men still have a strong resentment towards women as leaders. There has been this feeling that women are not eligible to be leaders…even women are not ready to vote for fellow women,” said Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu, Congress candidate from Aizawl South. 

Mizo National Front’s Prova Chakma, who is contesting from West Tuipui, said she was confident of her victory, and would empower women through self-help groups. Meanwhile, the party’s media and publicity general secretary, VL Krosshnehzova said that more women need to “learn that they can do things that men can do”.

Watch.

This report has been published as part of the joint NL-TNM Election Fund and is supported by hundreds of readers. Click here to power our ground reports.