Jobs, inflation & safety: Key concerns that brought women voters to booths

Gurgaon: Job opportunities and economic empowerment, accompanied by "transparency and responsiveness", were among the main concerns of women voters while exercising their franchise as Haryana went to polls on Saturday.
Many women voters also highlighted issues such as safety, inflation, transportation, lack of communication by govt and employment as "key factors" influencing their decision-making process.
Twenty-two-year-old Monika Gulati, who maintained "there is a dearth of job opportunities," said her vote would go to the party that "will ensure financial independence for women". Monika, who is seeking employment having recently completed a course in computer science, said, "We keep hearing about schemes to empower women such as BJP's promise to give Rs 2,100 to women every month. But I don't know which of these promises will actually be fulfilled." For many others, "effective communication" between the govt and citizens was another paramount concern".
"There needs to be more efficient channels of communication to ensure our voices are heard," Ritu Singh, a young voter said as she cast her vote at a South City-1 polling booth.
"Transparency and responsiveness from our leaders are the need of the hour," said Manju Nath at Shri Ram School polling booth in DLF Phase 4 area. Women voters maintained economic independence is crucial to improving "our quality of life and contributing to the community".
"We need better employment prospects and support for entrepreneurship," Geeta Verma, a recent graduate from Rohtak Maharshi Dayanand University, said. The desire for economic self-sufficiency is strong among women voters, who see employment as a pathway to "greater autonomy and societal contribution".
A significant number of women expressed apprehensions about their safety, both in public spaces and within their communities. "We need more robust steps to protect women and ensure our security," Tara Bai, a resident of Wazirpur in Badshapur constituency, said.
"Feeling safe is paramount for our overall well-being and freedom," Tara said.
This sentiment was echoed by many others who believe that enhanced safety measures are indispensable for their daily lives and overall sense of security.
Some also pointed out that the rising cost of living as a pressing issue, particularly those managing households. "Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed, making it arduous to make ends meet," a voter at booth number 25, Bimla Daultabad, said.
The lack of reliable transportation was also an oft-voiced concern. "Without proper transportation, it's challenging to commute to work or even run daily errands. It takes more than two hours to reach Gurgaon from Delhi," Savita Anand from Palam Vihar said.
"Improving public transport would make a tremendous difference in our lives," said another voter, Kavita Kakkar.
Gurgaon: Job opportunities and economic empowerment, accompanied by "transparency and responsiveness", were among the main concerns of women voters while exercising their franchise as Haryana went to polls on Saturday.
Many women voters also highlighted issues such as safety, inflation, transportation, lack of communication by govt and employment as "key factors" influencing their decision-making process.
Twenty-two-year-old Monika Gulati, who maintained "there is a dearth of job opportunities," said her vote would go to the party that "will ensure financial independence for women". Monika, who is seeking employment having recently completed a course in computer science, said, "We keep hearing about schemes to empower women such as BJP's promise to give Rs 2,100 to women every month. But I don't know which of these promises will actually be fulfilled." For many others, "effective communication" between the govt and citizens was another paramount concern".
"There needs to be more efficient channels of communication to ensure our voices are heard," Ritu Singh, a young voter said as she cast her vote at a South City-1 polling booth.
"Transparency and responsiveness from our leaders are the need of the hour," said Manju Nath at Shri Ram School polling booth in DLF Phase 4 area. Women voters maintained economic independence is crucial to improving "our quality of life and contributing to the community".
"We need better employment prospects and support for entrepreneurship," Geeta Verma, a recent graduate from Rohtak Maharshi Dayanand University, said. The desire for economic self-sufficiency is strong among women voters, who see employment as a pathway to "greater autonomy and societal contribution".
A significant number of women expressed apprehensions about their safety, both in public spaces and within their communities. "We need more robust steps to protect women and ensure our security," Tara Bai, a resident of Wazirpur in Badshapur constituency, said.
"Feeling safe is paramount for our overall well-being and freedom," Tara said.
This sentiment was echoed by many others who believe that enhanced safety measures are indispensable for their daily lives and overall sense of security.
Some also pointed out that the rising cost of living as a pressing issue, particularly those managing households. "Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed, making it arduous to make ends meet," a voter at booth number 25, Bimla Daultabad, said.
The lack of reliable transportation was also an oft-voiced concern. "Without proper transportation, it's challenging to commute to work or even run daily errands. It takes more than two hours to reach Gurgaon from Delhi," Savita Anand from Palam Vihar said.
"Improving public transport would make a tremendous difference in our lives," said another voter, Kavita Kakkar.