I’ll join politics only if Women’s Reservation Bill is passed: Kiran

Bedi also spoke on women’s role in shaping the future of the nation and said it was essential to bring both men and women into leadership roles.

During an interactive session after the address,a query on her political ambitions was posed.

The Magsaysay Award winner made no bones about her strong inclination to be a politician. “I would like to join politics and am making it very clear for the first time in public. I would put my life at stake to work for issues that matter to me provided 33 per cent seats are reserved for women at the Centre,” she said.

Adding weight to her argument,she said it was necessary to place women on an equal platform as men in politics.

She said that India was faring poorly in politics in view of the disproportionate number of women in it and more women were needed as it meant peace,progress and prosperity.

The officer,who has often been credited with initiating jail reforms on a war footing,feels that judicial reforms are imperative.

Referring to the Ruchika molestation case and the national furore it caused,Bedi felt it was more to do with the judicial system.

“Had Rathore been awarded the maximum sentence for molestation,things would have been different. We talk about reforming the jails and criminals but,in fact,if the judiciary is reformed,it would act as a deterrent for many,” averred Bedi.

During her address,Bedi also pointed out that the future role of women in three contexts — reproductive,productive and as a community worker— will experience rapid changes.

She also said that in the corporate sector,“positions will be merit driven and not chromosome driven” and that women will enrich it with their multi-tasking skills.