Women's safety and empowerment primary concerns for first-time voters finds poll

A poll reveals that first-time voters in India are more concerned about women's safety and empowerment. This is not surprising since in a 2018 poll India was ranked as the most dangerous country for women.

The #MeToo movement revealed the rampant sexual harassment that existed in the workplace in India across different sectors. Not just the workplace, women also have a tough time negotiating public space, and using public transport. Women are also not safe at home - there are disturbing incidences of domestic abuse, marital rape, and dowry deaths.

Given that women's safety is not on the agenda of any political party makes it pertinent that citizens drive that change and demand for it.

A Gen Z youth survey conducted by Yuvaa (youth media organisation) in partnership with InUth reveals that over 20 per cent of Gen Z students feel that the primary challenge before the country is women's safety and empowerment, and they should be accorded top priority. The survey conducted across 25 cities, 65+ colleges, and 1000+ students reveals that this view was consistent across tiers and gender.

The other top issues that concern women are corruption and poverty.

Interestingly, these demands can only be met if students vote and then make a strong case for women's safety and empowerment. The press release reveals that on the question of voting and using their rights to make their voice heard, while the students believe it is important to vote, at least 29 per cent across tiers and gender aren’t likely to vote because of the lack of a voter ID or the lack of information about how to get one made.

The only way forward then is to make students more aware, make voting an easy process and demand that political parties pay more attention to women's safety and empowerment.

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