Downright Anti-Feminist: Ex-MLA ES Bijimol Shares Experience With Sexism In Politics

Politician and ex-member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly ES Bijimol took to social media to share the degradation and sexist remarks she faced from her male colleagues.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) member ES Bijimol wrote that the feminist stance that many political parties claim to have is “downright anti-feminist”. Bijimol said that many men in politics would talk about women’s representation in politics and reservation but were “anti-woman” in reality.

Bijimol spoke about how the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), of which she is an executive member decided that at least one woman should be considered for the post of CPI District Secretary and she was nominated.

ES Bijimol On Sexism In Politics

“But the degrading and moral attacks I faced just on touching that man-centric cocoon is unspeakable,” wrote Bijimol. She alleged that she had to deal with anti-feminist remarks from other political parties and the media following her nomination.

Bijimol added that the same politicians who said she did not require gender consideration for her nomination also insulted her with reference to her gender. According to her, a majority of the men working in progressive politics would attempt to look gender neutral but were “no different from those with personal conservative political views”.

ES Bijimol has served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for three terms and one of the State Council members of the Communist Party of India. Bijimol had worked as a teacher and political worker before she ventured into politics.

Bijimol was elected as the Block Panchayath President of Azhutha in 1995 and held the post until 2000. She also served as a District Panchayath Member from 2005 to 2006. Bijimol is best known for her participation in the protest of the Mullapperiyar Dam issue.

In 2011, the CPI leader ES Bijimol went on a hunger strike and demanded the decommissioning of the Mullapperiyar Dam. She was arrested after her health deteriorated and admitted to St John’s mission hospital in Kattappana. Mullaperiyar Agitation Council chairman CP Roy fasted along with Bijimol and was also arrested and admitted to the hospital.

Suggested Reading: Maharashtra BJP Chief Tells Supriya Sule To Go Home And Cook: No End To Sexism?