Reservation For Women Mandatory: Women's Parliament

A galaxy of luminaries spoke at the National Women's Parliament session at the Andhra Pradesh capital Amaravathi today.

Union Minister of State for Science, Technology & Earth Sciences Y Sujana Chowdary said that the empowerment of women was necessary to enable the vibrant functioning of a democracy.

"Every home is being managed by women. Women are the king-makers in every home and they influence most of the decisions of the family. You cannot keep such a key constituency out of national policy-making," he said. "Reservation for women is then the pressing need of the hour."

He exhorted women to realize their capabilities and contribute to development of the nation.

Also speaking at the session, Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana E S L Narasimhan said that policies based on gender equality were necessary for the socio-economic development of women.

"In order to build a healthy society, we need to focus on the health and education of women," he added.

Justice Rohini, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, said that education, power and financial security would enable the empowerment of women.

"The crimes against women like domestic violence, dowry harassment and child marriages can be encountered through the education of women. Education incorporated with ethical values will give self-confidence and courage to women to face the challenges in life," she said.

She added that the right to equality was a constitutional right under Article 14, and needed to be implemented in letter and spirit.

The Deputy Representative of the UN Women India Multi-Country Office said that economic empowerment of women was the most important factor, and that the challenges of violence against women could be curbed through education and political power.

Over 405 women MLAs, 92 women MPs, union ministers and ministers from various state governments are attending the three-day conclave. Several eminent women from all walks of life will interact and deliberate with them.

Over 10,000 girl students are also participating to directly connect with the policy-makers, leaders and other women of eminence about the grassroot challenges being faced by young women in India.