Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday participated in a signature campaign at the Faculty of Arts of Delhi University (DU) in support of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act (Women’s Reservation Act), where she highlighted the need to increase women’s participation in governance and policy making.Speaking on the Act, Gupta said, “I often wonder why we all need this reservation. Every person, every woman, every daughter may not be able to get here on their own through normal courses. But today, women must play a much bigger role in running this country, in administration, in policy-making.” Gupta said meaningful change can only be achieved when women are placed in decision-making positions, enabling them to address issues that directly impact society, families and their own lives.She highlighted the initiatives of Delhi Government like Lakhpati Bitiya and Anmol schemes and described them as the result of sensitive and inclusive policy-making aimed at women empowerment and strengthening social security.The event featured women’s leadership and equal representation, with messages such as “It’s time for women to lead”, and “Empowered women, prosperous nations”.Gupta said, “I believe that when women come forward, become MLAs, ministers and chief ministers, only then will it be possible to bring about change in the system.”Describing the law as a historic step, the Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its passage and said the law advances the objective from “Beti Bachao” (protecting women) to “Beti Badhao” (empowering women).She said, “Through this platform, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for the great effort he has made to introduce this law. He made an effort to bring every political party on one platform, recognizing the magnitude of the revolution in our country.”Gupta said the demand for greater political representation for women is decades old. Tracing its roots to 1931, he said the law enacted in 2023 reflects a long and persistent struggle, adding that it is now a collective responsibility to ensure its effective implementation.He urged the youth to actively support this initiative and help turn it into a mass movement and said that true democratic strength lies in equal participation in decision making.Expressing confidence in the impact of the law, Gupta said it will redefine political representation in the country and help build a stronger, more balanced and progressive democracy.After the campaign, Gupta had an informal interaction with students and women faculty members at a tea stall on the campus, where he heard their views, experiences and suggestions. He said that such open and direct communication between public representatives and citizens makes policy-making more effective and people-centric.The Chief Minister wrote on Twitter, “This signature campaign and the enthusiasm of the students and women on campus for women’s reservation is a message in itself… The steps taken in this direction in the Parliament on April 16 will give new direction and new confidence to the dreams, struggles and aspirations of crores of mothers, sisters and daughters of the country.”He stressed that this step towards one-third representation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will give new strength to the daughters of the country.