Ain o Salish Kendra strongly protests on the symbols allotted to female municipal election candidates for reserved seats. We believe that these symbols are the reflection of orthodox and discriminatory attitude towards women.

According to media reports, women contestants in the upcoming polls had been allotted household symbols such as bangle, chocolate, frock, doll, scissors, vanity bag, bee, grape, gas stove and harmonium. Allotment of such household symbols in the previous elections in three city corporations triggered resentment among female candidates because these symbols reflect old-fashioned, discriminatory and narrow attitude that policymakers have towards women. The Election Commission at that time promised not to allot such symbols in future elections.

We want to emphasise that the lives of women are no longer limited to only household chores or raising children. Women nowadays are capable of keeping up with men and they are also proving that.

But the allotment of household symbols to women candidates by the Election Commission reveals the tendency to see women in their traditional roles, which is unacceptable.

We hope that the government and Election Commission will address this and take initiatives to replace the symbols.