Prominent women in the city have asked for equal representation of females and the third gender in the manifestos of political parties.

Participating in a panel discussion titled “(wo)manifesto”, they said women had to play a larger role in governance to have a say on the policies concerning them.

AAP spokesperson Shantala Damle said manifestos should be drawn in such a way that everyone is treated equally and there should not be any gender discrimination.

Congress candidate from Jayanagar Sowmya Reddy said she entered politics to fight for the rights of transgenders and issues rising from Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code declaring homosexuality a crime. She asked why the society cannot be open about the LGBT community.

Ekya Schools founder Tristha Ramamurthy said children should be educated on issues pertaining to women. Among the panelists were Manisha Bhatt, founder, M Square Networks; Dr Nilima Kadambi, Colours of Life; Vishalakshi Padmanabhan, founder-Buffalo Back; Arundhati Raja, former founder, Jagriti Theatre; Teresa Bhattacharya, former chief secretary; and Nina Nayak, former chairperson for the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

The panellists and the women attending the event drafted a list of issues that needed inclusion in the manifestos to ensure the welfare and safety of women.

Addressing the issues would help empower women, while also support and encourage those who believe women have the strength to change the world and make it a better place.