Women of Indian Politics - Margaret Alva

Описание: “My entry into politics wasn’t planned, in fact I can say I strayed into politics due to the death of my mother-in-law (Violet Alva) who was a well- known figure in national politics, a freedom fighter and the first woman presiding officer in Parliament. My mother-in-law’s death in 1969 brought pressure on me from family and friends to step in and carry on the work done by her. Later, Mrs. Indira Gandhi picked me up in 1974 for entry into Rajya Sabha where I’ve spent 24 yrs of my political career apart from one term in the Lok Sabha.
Politics isn’t an easy game for anyone, it requires commitment towards the cause you represent as well as commitment towards the party you’re a part of. Further, you also need to be prepared to pay the price for the decisions you take. My term as Women & Child Minister for 5yrs in the Rajiv Gandhi government is something which I’m proud of as it led to lot of legislations being passed during my time which helped in changing the status of women as well as in empowering women right from the grassroot level and upwards. The Panchayati Raj bill for instance had provided for 33% participation of women in the local bodies which has now gone up to 50% .
For women who aspire to get into politics I’d say whatever the age and whatever the stage, it’s not an easy task, you need to have the courage and commitment for standing up in what you believe in and talk about it, be bold and open about it and most importantly, be ready to fight the battles for it.”
Ms. Margaret Alva joined politics in 1969 and got elected to the Rajya Sabha as Congress representative in 1974. She was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha subsequently in 1980, 1986 and 1992. Ms Alva was the vice-chairman of Rajya Sabha from 1983-85 and also served as The Union Minister of State in the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, Youth & Sports Ministry and Women & Child development Ministry as well as The Human Resources Development Ministry. Further, she was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1999. Later, she served as the Governor of Uttarakhand (2009-2012), Rajasthan (2012- 2014), Gujarat, and Goa.