Hopes run high with Indian women's reservation bill

Homemakers, students, professionals, social activists -- many women are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping that the Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve 33 percent of seats in legislatures for women, will get passed in the Rajya Sabha today.
"I am quite sure the women's reservation bill will be passed this time. The kind of support the bill has garnered is good and for a change political parties have left behind their differences to stand united on this subject," said Arusha Verma, a school teacher.
Added Rakhi Bajaj, a student, "The government has the support of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the Left. So I am sure we will finally get to see 33 percent reservation in parliament. When that happens, it will be a milestone achievement for the women's movement in India."
Law Minister M Veerappa Moily will move the bill in the Rajya Sabha Monday, the International Women's Day.
"What a day to take up the women's reservation bill. I am quite hopeful that India will observe a unique Women's Day on Monday with the passing of this bill," said Aradhana Dey, a homemaker.