PHM-Exch> Indian upper house approves women's quota bill

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Meghana Bahar meghana at haiap.org

The upper house of India's parliament has approved a bill to reserve a third
of all seats in the national parliament and state legislatures for women.

The bill was passed with 186 members of the 245-seat house voting in favour.
Only one member voted against. Several smaller parties boycotted the vote.

The bill's introduction on Monday led to uproar from opponents, resulting in
the suspension of seven MPs on Tuesday.

First proposed in 1996, the bill now has support from India's main parties.

At present women make up just 10% of the lower house of parliament (Lok
Sabha), and significantly fewer in state assemblies.

The bill needed the support of two-thirds of voters present in the upper
house (Rajya Sabha) for it to be passed.

Many believe it will help overcome gender inequality in India and lead to
decisions that help improve the lives of millions of women.
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