Global Political Decisions: A Direct Impact on the Working Class, Says CPI(M) Leader U. Vasuki

The profound and often unseen influence of global political decisions on the daily lives of the working class, particularly women, was powerfully articulated by CPI(M) central committee member U. Vasuki. Speaking at a poignant International Women's Day event in Madurai, organized by the Tamil Nadu Adivasi Pengal Sangam, Vasuki painted a vivid picture of how macro-level geopolitical shifts reverberate through communities, directly impacting the most vulnerable.

She underscored that the ramifications of international conflicts and economic policies are not confined to political spheres but deeply penetrate the fabric of everyday existence.

As a salient example, Vasuki cited the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, explaining how it triggered a global surge in oil prices. This seemingly distant conflict had immediate, tangible consequences for the common people, leading to increased living costs and placing immense pressure on household budgets, disproportionately affecting women who often manage family finances and bear the brunt of economic hardships.

Vasuki passionately advocated for empowering women with a comprehensive understanding of global politics.

She argued that equipping women with this knowledge is crucial, enabling them to comprehend how distant political manoeuvres shape their local realities, influence commodity prices, and affect their access to essential resources. This understanding, she stressed, is the cornerstone for meaningful participation in shaping their own destinies.

The veteran leader called for a paradigm shift, urging women to step forward and become active participants in decision-making processes at every conceivable level – from their local panchayats to state assemblies, national parliaments, and even international forums.

She emphasized that true empowerment lies in having a voice where policies are formulated, ensuring that the unique perspectives and needs of women and the working class are not merely heard but intrinsically woven into policy structures.

Furthermore, Vasuki launched a critique of the prevailing capitalist system, highlighting its inherent tendency to concentrate wealth and resources in the hands of a few, leading to widespread inequality.

She drew attention to the ongoing struggles of tribal women, who are relentlessly fighting for their fundamental rights to land, water, and forest resources – resources often coveted and exploited under capitalist frameworks. Their battle, she implied, is a microcosm of the larger global fight against economic disparity and for environmental justice.

The event itself served as a vital platform, bringing together voices dedicated to addressing pressing issues such faced by women, including pervasive violence, persistent economic challenges, and the critical struggle for land rights.

Other prominent speakers, including S. Amutha, Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Adivasi Pengal Sangam, and V. Saravanan, CPI(M) Madurai Urban District Secretary, echoed Vasuki's sentiments, reinforcing the collective call for social and political transformation. The overarching message was clear: women are not merely beneficiaries of change but powerful agents of it, and their informed participation is indispensable for building a more just and equitable world.