Face to Face
“Don’t vote for Violence”-Ms Farial Ashraff
She is a true epitome of strength and she certainly is a woman of substance. Ms. Farial Ashraff is the first Muslim woman in Sri Lanka to become a cabinet minister and at present, she is the Minister of Housing and Common Amenities. She became the Acting Joint Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) after her husband, MHM Ashraff, a government minister, was killed in a helicopter crash in 2000. She has been a Co-Leader of the National Unity Alliance (NUA) since 2001.
Ms Shanti Uprety talked to Ms. Ashraff about her experience in politics and her take on violence against women in politics at the Public Forum held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 16, 2008. Given below are the excerpts of the interview with Ms Ashraff.
Why did you join politics?
My husband, who was a politician, always encouraged me to enter into politics and often asked me join him. After he died in a helicopter crash in 2000, I was requested to take over his responsibilities. It, of course was not an easy decision to make but somewhere I was interested in politics as well and this interest of mine inspired me to put my hands in this field.
How did your family react when you decided to enter into politics?
Since my husband was already in politics, my in-laws were pretty used to with the lifestyle of a politician. Also, my immediate family was very supportive. My father who is no more with us was a progressive man and he always wanted us to move ahead in our lives. This is the reason my immediate family also supported me in my quest to join politics and come out of the trauma I was facing. However, there are still many people who have shown resistance towards this move of mine and are not in friendly terms with me just because I entered into politics. This is, however, not going to deter me in any way.
The literacy rate is high in Sri Lanka but the participation of women in politics is still very low? Why is this?
It is true that women in Sri Lanka are well educated and they are aware of the violence that exists in politics. This widespread violence has forced them to stay away from the world of politics and they resort to stay back at home and tend their families or look after their professional careers. The world of politics, which they consider dangerous for them, is not very inviting towards women. Even women with strong academic background hesitate to join politics and prefer imparting their traditional responsibilities in the society. Unless women muster the courage and decide to stand against the system, nothing can be done. These women have the courage in them, it’s just that we need to ignite it and inspire them to step ahead.
So do you believe that it is due to the violence prevalent in politics that women hesitate to take part in politics?
Yes, I do believe that violence against women in politics is one of the main reasons that have demoralized women to join politics. In addition, we (women) are not well-organized. If all women join hands and say that “We will not vote for violence”, nobody can stop them to stand firm and fight against all odds.
What is your opinion on the specific type of violence targeted at women in politics?
I believe that it is easier for everybody to attack women, whether torturing them physically or abusing them psychologically. As I mentioned earlier, if women could organize themselves in groups, it would be difficult for others to target them. This could be the first step to fight the oppression. However, it is sad but true that such kinds of efforts are not being practiced at the moment. It is male members who encourage women to join politics so that they can take the front seat and rule. In such cases, there is no meaningful participation of women.
How do you find the future of women in politics?
As an optimist that I am, I firmly believe that the future is bright for women in politics. But of course, a lot of work needs to be done for that bright future. Prior to everything else, women should realize that they can make a difference in whichever field they are in. Self-appraisal is very important. Also, I believe that women can change the whole political scenario sans violence. However, a lot of awareness and education is required for this to happen. Given that women are natural politicians, a positive change can be expected provided that they are empowered and motivated.
Concluding Remarks
Believing in oneself is very important. Women should know that what they are doing is right and nothing will matter thereafter. This is the reason I have so much emphasized on women getting organized (into women groups) because such organized groups can support and empower other women as well. In addition, women need to be conveyed that their presence and participation in politics is important and that it is indispensable. Also, we, the members of the society, should change our patriarchal ideology and move ahead with the change. I believe that women are “born managers” and it is everybody’s responsibility to help these born managers come out of their cocoon and help run the country.
