Enacting women's quota bill will send a strong message: UN

Referring to the Women's Reservation Bill, she said "the world is waiting to see the outcome" and "if it becomes law, it could potentially lead to one of the most significant changes in India since independence in 1947."

"It will send a strong message to the women of India and it will send a strong message to the world that India is leading the way for democracy, for women and for equality," said Bachelet, a former President of Chile, who is now with UN Women.

Recalling the success of the move to give quota to women in Panchayat institutions, she said, "Just a decade ago, women comprised less than 5 per cent of elected leaders in village councils. Today more than 40 percent of seats in local bodies are occupied by women.

"In India quotas have spurred one of the greatest successes globally in women