The Women’s Reservation Bill (WRB), i.e. the (The Constitution 108th Amendment Bill 2008) proposes to reserve a minimum of 33% seats for women in Parliament, and in State Legislative Assemblies. The Bill was first introduced in Parliament 23 years ago and, has not yet been converted into an act, due to negligence from all successive governments, due to strong opposition from various political parties in the past as well as due to strong patriarchal norms prevailing in society.
The passing of the Bill in the Parliament and from more than half of the State Legislative Assemblies, and if it gets converted into an act, it is destined to bring revolutionary changes in the Indian social structure. As a result of this act coming into effect, at least 33% policy makers in Parliament and in State Legislative Assemblies will be women and such a change of demographic equation in legislatures will have far reaching implications on India’s social indicators. The Passage of Women’s Reservation Bill is directly related to “SDG- 5” and gender equality pledge prevailing at national and international forums and Indian government being signatory to all international conventions to ensure gender equality back home.
The National Alliance for Women’s Reservation Bill has been formed to attain the goal and to undertake the advocacy and campaign throughout India. More than 1,500 organizations and individuals from across India collected on a common stage to form the alliance. Centre for Social Research is one of the leading partners of the Alliance.
Goal of CSR is: –
- Passage of Women’s Reservation Bill
- Increase in political representation of women in internal affairs of political parties
- Women’s increased role in policy/decision making at all levels of government
- Political parties providing at least 33% tickets to female contestants
