Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday participated in a signature campaign at the Faculty of Arts, Delhi University, in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, emphasising the need to enhance women’s participation in governance and policymaking.

Addressing the gathering, Gupta said that greater representation of women in decision-making roles is essential for meaningful change in society. She noted that many women may not be able to reach leadership positions through conventional pathways, underlining the importance of reservation to bridge that gap.

Highlighting the broader impact of women’s leadership, she said that when women serve as legislators, ministers and administrators, they are better positioned to address issues affecting families and communities. She stressed that inclusive governance can only be achieved when women play a more active role in shaping policies.

The Chief Minister also referred to initiatives of the Delhi government, including the Lakhpati Bitiya and Anmol schemes, describing them as outcomes of sensitive and inclusive policymaking aimed at empowering women and strengthening social security.

Calling the Women’s Reservation Act a historic step, Gupta expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating its passage. She said the legislation marks a transition from “Beti Bachao” to “Beti Badhao,” reflecting a broader vision of empowerment.

Tracing the origins of the demand for women’s political representation, Gupta said it dates back decades and has now culminated in the 2023 legislation. She added that ensuring its effective implementation is a shared responsibility.

She also urged young people to actively support the initiative and help build a wider movement around equal representation. According to her, true democratic strength lies in balanced participation across genders.

Following the campaign, Gupta interacted with students and faculty members on campus, engaging in informal discussions to understand their views and experiences. She said such direct interactions help make governance more responsive and people-centric.

The campaign highlighted growing support for one-third reservation for women in legislatures, with Gupta expressing confidence that the move will strengthen democratic institutions and provide new opportunities for women across the country.