We came through the dark archway into the dazzling light, intense heat and spectacular view of the Taj Mahal. Spectacular is such an inadequate word, we should pen a new one. Twenty five people diverse in almost every way but united in our response to the sight. Many of us had spent the previous evening walking through the crowded alley like streets of old Delhi on our way to Karim’s a kebab restaurant in this primarily vegetarian country. We had not yet lost Josh, gotten on the wrong train, had our guide threatened by police, been felled one by one by the stomach warriors of India or fallen in love with the women and especially children of the villages, but we were already fascinated and ready to begin our tour of two countries with our fearless leaders Professor Kevin Kolben and Harsh Dutia. We thank them for sharing this country with us and leading us on this journey to which they dedicated their time and their hearts. - Professor Judy Iskovitz (2010 Course)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

India Passes First Vote on Women Lawmaker Quota

Since we will be examining Gender Equality during our trip to India, here's the latest developmnent where the upper house of Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha) just passed a bill that would reserve one third of the seats in Indian national and state legislatures for women representatives. While this is is just the first and important step in India to provide equal access to women, it also raises questions about reservations for women, minorities etc., and how effective or ineffective the reservation system is.

The WSJ article provides details on how the bill was passed.
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2 comments:

  1. UrviMarch 9, 2010 at 7:22 PM

    I"m not sure if this is true, but M. Yadav was not in support if this bill for 1/3 seats to women.

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  2. hersheyMarch 9, 2010 at 8:32 PM

    Interestingly, just yesterday Air India attempted to make a record by flying an "all-women's" flight from Bombay To New York. However, the Indian Supreme Court ruled that it was mandatory for flight on which alcohol is served to have male pursers on board, therefore, in the end 2 male pursers were assigned to the flight crew.

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