New Delhi, Aug 23: Concerned over inadequate representation of women at the decision making level, National Commission for Women (NCW) has written to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee suggesting voting on the existing draft of the Women Reservation Bill in Parliament and establishment of a national agency to fund women candidates wanting to enter the election fray. NCW, which had convened a three-day seminar attended by nearly 20 State Women Commissions (SWCS) and women MPs among others to deliberate upon issues pertaining to women, including their place in legislature, told reporters that the participants were of unanimous opinion that an agency should be set-up by the government to overcome the "money" power faced be women candidates. "These three-days have been very satisfying and fruitful. This is for the first time, we have been able to bring members from all fields to discuss the policies concerning women in the country," NCW chairperson Purnima Advani said.

Besides, deliberating on issues of dowry harassment, violence against women, policies and action-plan at the state-level for women and protecting their rights, the seminar also made the SWCs give assurances of support in setting-up of 'Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats'(PMLA) for speedy justice.
Informing that November 26 would be celeberated as 'anti-dowry' day when the an awareness campaign would be launched, she said the SWCs would also conduct essay and painting competition on the issue. Bureau Report