**Bhubaneswar:** The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has presented compliments to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led Odisha Government for proposing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and Assemblies.
The letter addressed to the CM states, “We are pleased that the Government of Odisha has showcased leadership by proposing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and the Assemblies on 20 November, 2018. While the country awaits the passage of the Constitution (108th amendment) Bill before the Parliament; we believe such commitment from the states is likely to renew dialogue on the issue at the national level. We commend your thought leadership and support on the fact that the economic and social progress can be sustained, only if half of the population have a role in the highest decision-making bodies of the state and the country.”
“UN Women recognises the fact that real, transformative and irreversible progress can only he achieved if women are equal partners in decision-making. At the same time, we are also aware that women face barriers in exercising their agency and voice. In this context, UN Women has been striving towards building the capacities of women and offering voter and civic education and sensitization campaigns on gender equality to overcome this restriction,” the letter continued.
“UN Women has been partnering with the State of Odisha for nearly a decade working towards gender equality and women’s equal political participation. “
The letter also thanks Odisha Government for extending support in the implementation of the joint programme between UN Women and the Panchayati Raj Department to promote Gender Responsive Governance in the State.