NFIW to stage 17-day sit-in outside Parliament

New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) The National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) will stage a 17-day sit-in outside Parliament from Monday, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, demanding 33 per cent reservation for women.

''Thirty three per cent reservation for women in all elected bodies including Parliament, has been a major demand of the women's movement for more than a decade. But the stark reality has shown that percentage of women has never touched nine per cent,'' NFIW General Secretary Annie Raja said.

''The male domination within political parties is am impediment towards women's participation in electoral politics, and therefore it is imperative to have seats reserved for them,'' she added.

She said the UPA government must ensure that bill is tabled and passed as its Common Minimum Programme (CMP) promises.

''We expected the Bill to be passed in the first two years of the UPA Government.... why is the consensus sought within Parliament for the introduction of the Bill, when all the political parties have given their commitment in their respective Election Manifestoes,'' she added.

Activists from NFIWs state units will also participate in the sit-in.

UNI XR NR VD KP1928 New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) The National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) will stage a 17-day sit-in outside Parliament from Monday, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, demanding 33 per cent reservation for women.

''Thirty three per cent reservation for women in all elected bodies including, Parliament, has been a major demand of the women's movement for more than a decade. But the stark reality has shown that percentage of women has never touched nine per cent,'' NFIW General Secretary Annie Raja.

''The male domination within political parties is am impediment towards women's participation in electoral politics, and therefore it is imperative to have seats reserved for them,'' she added.

She said the UPA government must ensure that bill is tabled and passed as its common minimum programme (CMP) promises.

''We expected the Bill to be passed in the first two years of the UPA Government.... why is the consensus sought within Parliament for the introduction of the Bill, when all the political parties have given their commitment in their respective Election Manifestoes,'' she added.

NFIW state units will also participate in the sit-in UNI XR NR