Srinagar 15 Dec(KNB): As India commemorates the 30th anniversary of the landmark Reservation Bill for women, Rekha Mody, founder of Stree Shakti – The Parallel Force and editor of Quest for Roots, expressed jubilation at the government’s swift response to the demands of countless women who have tirelessly fought for their rightful representation in the political arena.
“This is a historic moment, a testament to the unwavering spirit and relentless struggle of women across India,” declared Rekha Mody, whose organization, Stree Shakti, has been at the forefront of this movement for over two decades. “The government’s commitment to introducing legislation for 33% reservation in the assemblies of Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry signifies a new era of political inclusion and marks a crucial step towards achieving gender parity in our democracy.”
Mody’s dedication to empowering women transcends advocacy. Through SHE Leads, a Stree Shakti – The Parallel Force initiative, she has actively trained women for political leadership, recognizing the critical interplay between reservation and training in equipping women to effectively navigate the political landscape.
“The recent appointments of Dr. Drakhshan Andrabi and Safina Baig in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrate the immense potential of women leaders,” Mody affirmed. “Their achievements serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring women leaders across the nation.”
The government’s action aligns seamlessly with the theme, “30 Years of Reservation: Promise Delivered?”, championed by Mody and her organization. This theme resonated deeply with the public, fostering awareness and encouraging greater participation in the political process.
Furthermore, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed in September, promises reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies after the 2029 delimitation exercise, solidifying the government’s commitment to gender equality in political representation.
This is a victory for all women who have raised their voices and fought for their rightful place in shaping the future of our nation. Mody declared. “The onus now lies with political parties to embrace this historic opportunity and field capable women candidates, ensuring their rightful representation in the halls of power. This is the key to unlocking the true potential of our nation and building a stronger, more equitable India for all.”(KNB)
With the government’s decisive action and the unwavering spirit of women like Rekha Mody, India stands poised to finally deliver on the promise of 33% reservation for women in politics, ushering in a new era of inclusive and representative governance.(KNB)