India, April 23 -- A greater representation of women would balance the process and prioritisation of issues that elected bodies should focus on.

The nation is all set for yet another general election for the 17th Lok Sabha. This is going to be the most consequential election in the history of independent India. We, the women of India, consider it a crucial battle - the aftermath of which will affect the country for the next five years. The increasing rates of sexual violence, honour crimes, atrocities against Dalit, Adivasi and minority women, rising unemployment, hunger and relentless price rise are showing very little signs of reducing.

I hereby wish to draw attention to the issues that have affected women in recent times. The concern...