People's Democracy

Women�s Organisations Welcome

Bill�s Passage in Upper House

ON March 10, national organisations of women, like the All India Democratic Women�s Association, National Federation of Indian Women, Joint Women�s Programme, GOS, All India Women�s Congress, Muslim Women�s Federation, All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch and Young Women�s Christian Association, welcomed the passage of the women�s reservation bill in Rajya Sabha on March 9. This, they said, signified a new milestone in the journey towards gender equality in our country. The bill was passed by a massive majority of 186 votes to 1, highlighting the immense wave in its favour.

In a joint statement issued on the day from New Delhi, these organisations expressed thanks to all the political parties, members of parliament and all the committed persons who made this historic day a reality. It said the support of countless men and women, the uncompromising stand taken by the democratic and progressive forces in our country, and the ceaseless struggles by the women�s movement have also contributed to this achievement in no small way.

To sustain this momentum, the statement pointed out, the next logical step of placing the bill in Lok Sabha has to be undertaken urgently. The women�s organisations have expressed the hope that the UPA government will do so immediately, and evolve strategies to address the possible obstacles to its smooth passage. They have called on all the parties to extend their full support in Lok Sabha, thereby taking the bill closer towards becoming a reality without any further delay.

The signatories to the statement were Ms Sudha Sundararaman (AIDWA), Ms Annie Raja (NFIW), Dr Jyotsna Chatterjee (JWP), Dr Mary John (CWDS), Dr Mohini Giri (GOS), Ms Gomati Nayar (AIWC), Ms Sugra Mehdi (MWF), Ms Vimal Thorat (AIDMAM) and Dr Beulah Shekhar (YWCA). (INN)