Times of Bennett
ArticleCampus

Why village women don't show up in election rallies

Published:April 12, 2019 at 10:08 AM3 min read
Why village women don't show up in election rallies

By Khushi Pal

When big party leaders and their army of party workers were campaigning from village to village, with promises of jobs and development, not a single woman was spotted in the gatherings. This came as a surprise to the students of Times School of Media, Bennett University, who had the opportunity to be a part the campaign trail of Lok Sabha candidate, Union Minister of State for Tourism and State, Dr Mahesh Sharma.

Upon talking to the young men who were shouting slogans and cheering for Dr Mahesh Sharma, students came to know that women were discouraged from voting and attending political meetings. Brijesh Yadav, 19, resident of Nagla Hukam Singh village said, “Our mothers and sisters don’t participate in the affairs of the village nor their opinion is sought in political matters.”

When students went to some homes to talk to the women, they found that the women were either feeding the cows in the backyard or cooking the evening meal on earthen stoves or tending to the children. The sight of city students drew curious looks from women in neighbouring houses who peeped from behind half open doors with their heads covered.

Sunita Kumar, 35 of Tirthali village volunteered to talk. Though she did not know the names of the MLA or the Union Minister, she mentioned the name ‘Modi’. “I don’t know anything about politics or the policies of the government. But I am aware about the Pulwama attack and the revenge the Modi government has taken for the death of the jawans. This makes our families feel protected and this is how we want to feel.”

Poorva Singh, first-year BJMC student from Bennett, asked Dr Mahesh Sharma why women were not encouraged to participate in village politics. “It is true that women are not present in this kind of gathering yet they do practice their right to vote.” Addressing the need to spread awareness among women, he further added, “Though there are women-based groups such as mahila morcha to encourage women to come forward and speak up on issues close to them, there’s need for support and awareness from the youth.”

But according to Maya Kasturi, a senior BJP party worker who has been working with women in the rural areas for more than 20 years, women are more aware of their voting rights than they were five years ago. “In fact, we know of instances when the village women have voted for a party the village men were against!” She added that higher education will make the young girls more aware of their rights.

Stressing on the need for educating girls, Dr Mahesh Sharma said the proposal for two Degree colleges has been approved, and “soon we will have more girls from Jewar villages going to a proper college.”

Though at this point fewer women practice their voting right, higher education will pave the way for a more active participation in the coming times.
Tags
#politics#Bennett university#Lok Sabha elections#BJP#Times School of Media#rally

Related Articles

An enthralling book talk on Dhiraj Singh's debut novel Mater O
Article
Campus

An enthralling book talk on Dhiraj Singh's debut novel Mater O

On World Book Day 2026 at Kunzum Book Cafe, Bennett University students explored the futuristic novel Master O by Dhiraj Singh, Deputy Dean at Times School of Media. Hosted by media expert Mia Lakra, the book talk delved into the story's themes of godmen, politics, and superpowers, earning Singh the Salis Mania Best Author Award (2023). Singh passionately unpacked character symbolism drawn from real-life observations, his writing journey, and revisions to perfect the plot. Lakra's witty questions and a rapid-fire round added humor, leading to an engaging Q&A. The event ended with thanks and felicitation for Singh, Lakra, and cafe founder Ajay Jain, leaving a memorable impact.

May 2, 20263 min
#dhiraj singh#kunzum book#bennett university+2 more
Bridging Theory and Practice: Bennett University Hosts Insightful PR Session with Adfactors Executive
Article
Campus

Bridging Theory and Practice: Bennett University Hosts Insightful PR Session with Adfactors Executive

Bennett University's Times School of Media conducted a masterclass in PR and personal branding featuring Nikhil Dey, Executive Director at Adfactors PR. Students were walked through the A - Z of the public relations world through innovative interactive segments.

May 2, 20263 min
#sneh gupta#nikhil dey#dhiraj singh+3 more
'Bennett Dialogues' launched with a talk on the war in West Asia
Article
Campus

'Bennett Dialogues' launched with a talk on the war in West Asia

Times School of Media at Bennett University hosted the inaugural 'Bennett Dialogues' session, featuring West Asia expert Waiel Awwad in conversation with senior journalist Zakka Jacob. They discussed the Israel-Iran-USA conflict's global implications, including its roots in broader U.S.-China-Russia geopolitics, Israel's territorial ambitions per its scriptures, Gaza's humanitarian crisis affecting 2.6 million, and uneven global responses to events like October 7.Awwad critiqued U.S. "weapons of mass deception" over 253 years (e.g., Vietnam, Iraq, Iran), highlighted media bias with "no free media," and linked wars to economic greed over oil and chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. He shared experiences from conflict zones, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and noted India's proactive stance amid potential economic risks like inflation.The event, attended by students and faculty, ended with Deputy Dean Prof. Dhiraj Singh's vote of thanks, promoting critical thinking on international issues.

Apr 28, 20263 min
#bennett dialogues#zakka jacob#waiel awwad+3 more
TSOM Hosts Exclusive 48-Hour Photography Workshop
Article
Campus

TSOM Hosts Exclusive 48-Hour Photography Workshop

Bennett University's Times School of Media hosted an intensive 48 hour photography and filmmaking workshop in association with DIGITEK & Cineposium Initiative. Students gained insights into the art of composition, gained valuable hands on experience and won goodies.

Apr 24, 20265 min
#digitech#bennett university#media nest+4 more
BENNETT DIALOGUES launch with the War in West Asia
Article
Campus

BENNETT DIALOGUES launch with the War in West Asia

Bennett University has launched BENNETT DIALOGUES, a fortnightly talk series conceptualized by Chancellor Vineet Jain (Times Group MD) to help students grasp global geopolitical shifts. Led by Prof. Dhiraj Singh (Head, Centre for Media & Technology), it features informal fireside chats and Q&A with experts in geopolitics, business, and media. The series aims to connect world events to everyday impacts, like how the US-Israel-Iran war affects India's petrol and LPG prices. The inaugural edition on April 21 explores "The War in West Asia," with Times Now's Zakka Jacob and Dr. Waiel Awwad (Syrian-origin expert on West Asia conflicts, based in Delhi). Prof. Singh highlights its blend of Times Group media legacy and Bennett's academic excellence, benefiting media, liberal arts, business, and law students.

Apr 18, 20262 min
#dialogues#zakka jacob#dhiraj singh+3 more
A Curtain Call to Remember: Jashn-E-Cinema 2026
Article
Campus

A Curtain Call to Remember: Jashn-E-Cinema 2026

Jashn-E-Cinema 2026 embodied the university's vibrant cultural spirit through a night of unity, talent, and reflection. The highlight was BYOB Live's finale, where the audience joined in singing and swaying, blurring the stage and crowd in a shared, emotional celebration marking the year's end. The evening opened with a poignant badge ceremony honouring club leaders for their dedication, setting a reflective tone before the performances. Clubs showcased diverse talents: Advaita's energetic band set the musical rhythm; Cerebrum's witty Farzi Mushaira skit satirised poetry; Panache's ethnic-modern ramp walk dazzled visually; Verve's narrative Bollywood dance enthralled; Ansh's comedic theatre Big B chal Padhe delivered laughs; and Rivaaz's classical dance closed gracefully. Vikram Singh, Music Society Secretary, summed it up: “A great end to the year—a final goodbye, but a celebration of what we’ve built together.” The event was a farewell tapestry of collaboration, from quiet honours to explosive energy.

Apr 17, 20264 min
#ansh#advaita#panache+2 more