Like India, US also differs over women reservation

Kashmir Times
New Delhi, Mar 10 (UNI) It is not only Indians who are divided in their opinion on the issue of giving 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state legislatures, Americans also share similar views over the matter.

A visiting students group from University of Texas, at a media interaction, felt that such issues also stir debate in the US as some find it ''demeaning'' and a ''disservice'' to woman whiles others hail it as a ''step in the right direction.'' The delegation of 30 MBA students from University of Texas, Austin, is in India on a study tour.

Asked how they looked at the Women Reservation Bill, they came out with various shades of opinion.

''For me it would be a tremendous success to actually have more representation of women in the government. The reason behind this is that women bring different perspectives on an issue, which men may not be able to bring on the table,'' Monica, a student from Columbia said.

She was immediately confronted by Catherine, a second year student who asserted that women of her generation always believe that they do not deserve any special treatment just because they are female.

''To stipulate a certain number of Parliament members have to be women is actually, in some ways, a disservice to women. ''I find it demeaning because I do not need help. I can do it on my own regardless of what my genetic make up is,'' she said.

She pointed out that Ms Hilary Clinton, who ran for the presidency, provided an interesting demonstration of this view as she belonged to that generation which really did not have a fair share like the present day. But she still managed to reach at that level.

Another student, Danielle, however, said her colleague was viewing it from a western women's perspective. The history and role the Indian women played over the years is very different, she added.

''Though I feel it will only help India in the next 20-25 years, but certainly, it is a step in the right direction,'' she said adding that she felt one third reservation will not be enough.

Underlining the need for empowerment of women, she said, ''There are so many young girls in this country who need representation and role model at a very high political level and this is where it gets to start and it is a great idea,'' she said.