President Droupadi Murmu expressed her belief that the Women’s Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33% reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, will be a “transformative revolution in our times” for gender justice. She made these remarks during the inauguration of the biennial conference of the national human rights institutions (NHRIs) of Asia Pacific at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, introduced in the new Parliament building, signifies a significant step towards gender equality. President Murmu highlighted the importance of this development, stating, “We have ensured a minimum of 33% reservation for women in local bodies’ elections… In a more pleasant coincidence, a proposal to provide a similar reservation for women in state assemblies and the national Parliament is taking shape now. It will be the most transformative revolution in our times for gender justice.”
The conference, organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), is scheduled from September 20 to 21. The event aims to facilitate discussions on human rights issues of common interest to member countries.
The conference is expected to draw over 1,300 delegates from India and abroad, including heads, members, and senior officials of NHRIs from various countries. Representatives from Union and state governments, state human rights commissions, special rapporteurs, monitors, and institutions focused on human rights protection and promotion are also participating in the event.
