50 percent of Indian populace demands a mere 33 percent participation

60 women, representing women from all corners of India-travelling through more than 60 cities, towns and rural areas of India- covered over 20,000 km, during the period May 18^th to June 5^th,2010. Old, young, adolescents- multiple languages and regions- speak in unison, you talk to them; the energy and enthusiasm rubs through.

Multiple faces- same voice: Pass the 33% Women’s Reservation Bill, in its current form, in the Lok Sabha …THIS MONSOON SESSION. All women, irrespective of their caste, class, religion and ethnicity, have equitable access to their human rights, resources and opportunities, as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

After having traveled for more than 20,000 kilometers, the three caravans of the national campaign Reservation Express arrived to the tune of drums and a trumpet. And there I stood witness to the spirit of a struggle that flows through generations of womenfolk in India- demanding its due share from the patriarchal society: to be part of the political process, to be able to decide her own destiny, to be powerful enough to decide the destiny of her country. This particular journey had started on May 18^th but the actual journey started way….way back – 12 years ago- when the first group of women marched demanding for their rights- right to political empowerment.

Nothing could have enthralled me more than seeing the torch lit by revolutionary women like Bhanwri Devi being transferred to the younger population to pave the way forward: challenging the conventional power structure of India. The programs of Oxfam India always showcase our commitment towards one of key themes- Gender Justice and looking forward we want to develop “Political Empowerment of women” as one of our key programs. The portfolio of projects under this program will encompass all the possible measures to make the common woman aware of her political rights, building her capacity responsibilities and the key role that she can play in defining the future of her society, her country.