“Revolutionary Step: India Empowers Women with Third of Seats Reserved in Parliament”.

India just made history – their Parliament recently passed a landmark bill that will reserve a third of seats for women in local government. This move, made in an effort to accelerate gender equality in the country, changes the game for India.

The bill, passed on August 15th, guarantees a minimum 33% reservation of seats for women in all administrations, boards and committees at the panchayat (or village council) and urban body levels. Each state must also ensure the compulsory electoral reservation of seats for women in local bodies.

For years, researchers, activists and citizens have advocated for the reservation of women in local government bodies and lobbied for the passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill. The first version of the bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 1996, but was met with strong opposition from members which ultimately resulted in the bill’s failure to pass.

However, officials finally agreed to move the bill forward earlier this year, and 177 members voted in favor of it in the Rajya Sabha. The approval of the Women’s Reservation Bill marks the beginning of a new chapter for India. By actively taking measures to integrate a greater number of women into local government, India goes a long way in to cultivating an environment of gender equality now and for future generations.

Unsurprisingly, the passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill has sparked global support and applause. International organizations such as the United Nations and the United Nations Women have expressed their approval, citing the bill as a progress towards gender parity. Political figures like former president Pratibha Patil and president Ram Nath Kovind have also shown their support.

India’s progress in creating a more gender-equal society serves as inspiration for other countries hoping to do the same. With the implementation of this bill, who knows what more will come.