Guwahati, April 9 (NationPress) Female voters participating in the Assam Assembly elections on Thursday expressed their support for the Women's Reservation Bill. They commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commitment to women's empowerment and expressed optimism that the Bill would encourage women to step forward and voice their opinions.

It is noteworthy that PM Modi released a video message on Thursday, calling for unified support for the Women's Reservation Bill.

The government intends to propose amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act (Women Reservation Act) during the upcoming three-day special session of Parliament. The legislation aims to reserve 33 percent of seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.

In a signed article on his website, PM Modi urged citizens to read and disseminate it widely, motivating political parties to advocate for the legislation. He called for a collective effort during the Parliament sessions scheduled for April 16, 17, and 18.

Sagarika, while waiting at a polling booth, stated, "Women deserve equal rights as men because politics should be inclusive for all genders."

She added, "If women don’t step up, how can the country progress? Development hinges on the contributions of women. That’s why I appreciate this initiative by PM Modi," she emphasized.

Manju Das noted, "The Prime Minister is making commendable efforts, especially for the underprivileged."

Divyamani reflected on the past when women were often confined to their homes and restricted in their freedoms. She remarked, "In earlier times, women couldn't live independently. With the introduction of this Bill, women will have the opportunity to voice their needs."

Significantly, PM Modi mentioned in his video that empowering women is crucial for realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Another woman at the polling booth shared, "Previously, it was challenging for women to work outside due to safety concerns, especially at night. Thankfully, we no longer face such issues in Assam."

Youths and younger female voters also rallied behind the Bill, highlighting the challenges women encounter in the workplace.

Luna, a young voter, expressed, "I hope the government introduces more initiatives for women's empowerment."

She added, "If this Bill is passed, it will be phenomenal, as women continue to face challenges, especially in rural regions. This legislation could empower all women to achieve independence like men," she conveyed to IANS.

Another young voter remarked, "Women encounter more obstacles in the workforce compared to men."

Luna emphasized the importance of safety for women, saying, "Crimes against women, such as female foeticide, are still prevalent in the 21st century. I urge the government to enforce stringent measures for women's protection. Only then can we address other concerns," she stated.

She further added, "Whenever I find myself in male-dominated environments, I still feel unsafe." She called on the government to enact robust laws to ensure women's safety.

As she left the polling booth, one woman remarked, "Women must empower themselves before expecting the government to act."