33% Reservation for Women Is Justified or Not?

A woman's contribution can't be ignored in India's struggle for freedom where the likes Rani Lakshmi Bai, the ruler of Jhansi, and Begum Hazrat Mahal, the co-ruler of Awadh, fought for their kingdom's rights against the British.
MARCH 9, 2010, turned out to be a historic day in the Constitution of India. Every news channel, every news website read, “Rajya Sabha passes the Women’s Reservation Bill.” The new bill granted 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state legislative bodies.
 
Do women really need reservation to make their presence felt in the governance of our country? As a woman, am I supposed to be happy that I would now get recognition due to my gender rather than my worthiness for a public post?

Beginning from the Vedic age, where heaven and earth were considered daughters, and where women epitomised the scared symbol of fertility, she not only performed religious rites but was also recognised in the field of learning. Did these women need any kind of reservation? No. Equality was their birth right and they received it. Their worthiness was well and truly recognised even in the patriarchal society.

In the medieval age, when sati, Jauhar and child marriage were prevalent practices, many women were still able to leave their mark and names like Razia Sultan, Noor Jehan and Jijabai were recognised. They played a very important role in leading the country’s administration. Did these courageous and illustrious women need reservation?

A woman’s contribution can’t be ignored in India’s struggle for freedom where the likes of Rani Lakshmi Bai, the ruler of Jhansi, and Begum Hazrat Mahal, the co-ruler of Awadh, fought for their kingdom's rights against the British.
Other eminent women such as Annie Besant, Bhikaji Rustam Cama and Sarojini Naidu, who went on to become the first president of the Indian National Congress, fought for a free India. And these women were recognised for their determination and courage. Needless to say, none needed a...