WILLIAMS, MERCY (c. 1947–19 November 2014), sixteenth mayor of Kochi, Kerala, India; first female politician in the state; and notable figure in Indian politics.
Williams began her career as an educator, serving as a lecturer in the Sociology department at St. Teresa’s College for more than twenty-five years. After retiring from teaching, she made a surprising yet impactful entry into politics as an independent candidate affiliated with the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Williams gained prominence when she became the Mayor of Kochi, a major city in Kerala. Her election to this position marked a significant milestone, as she was the first woman to hold the mayoral office in Kochi. Known for her sincerity and no-nonsense approach, Williams quickly earned a reputation for her commitment to transparency and integrity in governance; this achievement not only underscored her capabilities as a leader but also broke gender barriers in local governance. A member of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), Williams was elected through an open ballot by the Kochi corporation council members. Her victory over the opposing United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate, Winnie Abraham, by a substantial margin reflected her popularity and support within the council. During her tenure as mayor, Williams represented the municipal corporation’s 36th division, known as Kunnumpuram; in this role, she focused on addressing various civic issues, promoting development initiatives, and advocating for the welfare of Kochi’s residents.
Kochi faced significant challenges, particularly in waste management; Williams took decisive action by implementing innovative measures, such as decentralized waste segregation, and introducing bylaws for waste management, making Kochi a “binless” city. She also played a crucial role in securing funds for various developmental projects in Kochi totaling ₹900 crore (more than $100 million). Under her leadership, Kochi garnered recognition for its cleanliness, receiving an award for Most Clean City in India from the Union Minister Jairam Ramesh. Williams’ accomplishments and dedication to public service left a lasting impact on the city and its residents.