Implementation gaps remain in Maharashtra’s women’s policies; working-class, minority women lag behind

MUMBAI: Speakers at a seminar reviewing Maharashtra’s four women’s policies said that while the policies have expanded women’s participation in governance, their implementation remains uneven and many sections—particularly working-class and minority women—have yet to benefit fully.The discussion, titled “Dhoran Kuthevar Aala Ga Bai!” (Where has the policy reached?), was organised on Thursday at Sahitya Mandir Hall in Navi Mumbai as part of a statewide series of seminars marking International Women’s Day. The initiative was organised by the women’s wing of the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre to review the progress of four women’s policies adopted by the state over the years.Bhim Raskar, director of the Resource and Support Centre, said the policies had led to significant changes, such as entrusting women representatives, ASHA workers and anganwadi workers with responsibilities in local governance.

“A few years ago, it was difficult to find women candidates for elections, but today competition among women in politics has increased,” he said.However, Raskar noted that many women representatives later take “U-turns” on issues and that women are still not adequately included in the budgeting process. He also called for increasing the number of women spokespersons within political parties and suggested that parties formulate internal gender policies.

The provisions of the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) law should also apply to political parties, he added, while advocating campaigns such as the Jyotiba Putra Abhiyan to build support systems among men.Senior social activist Hasina Khan said that although the policies are meant for all women, Muslim women are often overlooked during implementation. “They continue to be neglected in mainstream education and employment opportunities as well,” she said.Vrushali Magdum, trustee of Stree Mukti Sanghatana, reviewed key aspects of the four policies, particularly in education, health, gender equality and violence against women. She said that although 32 years have passed since the first women’s policy was introduced in the state, its benefits have yet to reach large sections of working women.Magdum pointed out that although the law against domestic violence came into force in 2005, cases of domestic abuse and dowry-related deaths continue even in 2026.

“For effective implementation of these policies, efforts are needed not only from the government but also from social organisations and ordinary citizens,” she said, adding that complete implementation would remain difficult until broader social change takes place.The seminar was jointly organised by the Navi Mumbai district centre of the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, the Navi Mumbai Marathi Sahitya, Sanskruti and Kala Mandal, and the Navi Mumbai Voluntary Organisations Coordination Committee.The event was chaired by Subhash Kulkarni, president of the Navi Mumbai Marathi Sahitya, Sanskruti and Kala Mandal. Pramod Karnad, president of the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre’s Navi Mumbai centre, welcomed the gathering, while honorary programme manager Datta Balsaraf proposed the vote of thanks.The session was introduced and moderated by women’s wing head Sadhana Tippanakaje. More than 100 social activists from Navi Mumbai, along with office-bearers of the Chavan Centre and Yashaswini Navi Mumbai coordinator Manisha Desai, attended the event.