Omar's 'make-up kits' remark draws flak from women

03 December, 2012

Indian politicians, even educated by the best of foreign universities, seem to have deep seated gender biases. Of late, their foot-in-mouth remarks demeaning women have caused controversies. May it be Digvijaya's remark on Rakhi Sawant or Omar Abdullah's 'make-up kit' remark on women panchayat members of J&K.

ADDRESSING A gathering in Ganderbal a few days ago, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of luring women panchayat members by providing them make-up kits to win their support in the ensuing Legislative Council elections.

Women groups, women panchayat members and PDP have lashed out at Omar Abdullah for his remarks and held a protest. Many women in the state have deemed Omar's remark as an “insult” to women. That's being unkind to women, many feel. Consequently, women from Omar’s home constituency Ganderbal took out a march at Beehama Chowk in protest.

The women panchayat members have challenged Omar to prove his allegations against them or resign. They called upon Omar to withdraw his remark.

“Omar’s remark is an insult to women members who have fought the battle from within and outside to take part in the democratic process for the betterment of people,” panchayat member Ayesha was quoted as saying by media.

The politicians must shun gender bias and never pass comments denigrating and demeaning women!