India's first all-woman party is here

Those against the Women's Reservation Bill are in for a tough time.

The country's first all-woman party -- The Womanist Party of India -- was launched in Mumbai on Friday.

The party will contest all seats in Maharashtra in the assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

It will work for women's employment, social security, environment, health and human rights.

Party president Varsha Kale says, "We are not feminist; we are the womenist and we believe in womanism. The final announcement of the party's programme will be announced at its statewide convention in April."

Party member Prajakti says she used to "hate politics". "But the things this party is talking about touch my heart. Everyday there is so much violence against women, and the mentality of most of the men has not changed.

"This concept came from the heart, and things that come from the heart are always successful."

Another member, Pushpa, says, "I am sure that our party will minimise corruption…"

She says the Election Commission's ceiling on election expenses will not be a problem because women are good money managers. "We know how to mange home with limited funds, and we have been doing it for a long time."

The party will also have a youth wing called 'Indian Girls Federation'.

It will be some time before the party is registered and gets its election symbol.

Kale says, "The party has its base in Maharashtra. Later we will think how to make our presence felt all over the country."

She says the party will ask men not to force "their women family members to vote for other parties".

Asked about the party symbol, she pointed to her arm. "The hand with bangles is our party symbol."