New Delhi: Senior CPI leader and National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) General Secretary Annie Raja expressed discontent over patriarchal mindsets in political parties and the tendency to associate women's party positions with their relationship with male leaders.  

Raja pointed out that when a woman enters the public sphere, there is a tendency to address them by relating often to her husband, father or brother. She gave an example by stating that her name is often noted as the wife of D. Raja. She opined that misogyny still exists even inside the left parties.

"No matter how senior you are in party ranks, misogyny exists even in leftist parties. It is a reflection of a patriarchal attitude. The media also has a role to play in keeping that way. Some people address me by writing my husband's name instead of mine. It will be written as D. Raja's wife. Many overlook the fact that I was actively involved at the national level even before marrying D Raja. Women continue to be denied a position in the public sphere due to the perception that we are someone who should only stay at home and care for the family," she said. 

Earlier, CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat shared in her ‘An Education For Rita: A Memoir, 1975-1985’ that there is a tendency to associate women's party positions with their relationship to a male leader.