"My request to women is to come forward, shed their fears and assert their rights. Women are much backward in politics, especially......."

Vice President of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, Shalet Pinto, speaks exclusively for Daijiworld.com, to Richie Lasrado

When did you first think of a political career? Was there any particular person who encouraged  to do so?

My husband was active in the youth Congress and was secretary of the Mulki block youth Congress for a year. He encouraged me take active part in politics. When the Kinnigoly seat for the ZP election was reserved for women, I decided to try my luck in the elections.

What do you think you would have become had you not chosen politics, an advocate?

I worked under the late A J Mathias  and  J M D'Cunha, who now is a judge in Shimoga. I gave up my legal practice after marriage. Otherwise I have my boutique and beauty parlour business. Maybe I would have remained an entrepreneur still.

Do you think that politics is male-dominated and being a woman is a hindrance in any way for you ?

No, it is 'give respect and take respect'. There could be some hidden feeling in some people. But by and large, they are very supportive. Besides, more and more women are asserting their rights and they are getting their due place.

When men work under you, do you find any resentment from anyone?

No, they cooperate so well. I don't find any resentment from anyone. Moreover, courage is more important. If we manage properly, we get respect. 
 
Is enough being done for equal opportunities for women?

No, not yet. There's a lot to be done. I think the bill for 33% reservation for women must be passed as early as possible. That will do a lot of difference.

With your leadership qualities and many years ahead of you, quite a number of people think that you may soon land in the Vidhan Sabha or even further. Do you also think so?

I have heard people saying that. There is a demand for giving a ticket to a female candidate in every district. With a lot of persuasion, I have applied for a ticket for the assembly election from Mangalore. If youth, minority factor and priority to women are considered, I stand a chance of getting a ticket.

In what way would you like to contribute and help towards women's empowerment ?

I am helping women in forming their own mahila mandals and self-help groups (SHG's) and developing awareness among themselves. They should have own income and should be able to stand on their own feet. That would give them more freedom.

When needy and deserving persons come to you for help in getting some job done, how do you want to help them?

In deserving cases, I always give a letter of recommendation or introduction. I keep contacting the persons concerned to pursue those deserving cases.

What is your message to other women to come forward in social and political fields?

My request to them is to come forward, shed their fears and assert their rights. Women are much backward in politics, especially. Maybe women think that if they come into politics their name would be spoilt or something of that kind. They should learn to face difficult situations and be bold.

How do you strike a balance between your public life and your role as a home-maker?

I keep myself fully occupied to cope with the demands of both the fields, without allo