On the occasion of International Women's Day, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee suspended the Question Hour for some time to make a statement on the issue and allowed lady members to share their views.

"On this solemn day, we should reaffirm our commitment to improve the condition of women, specially those who are in vulnerable position and empower them to take their rightful place in society," Chatterjee said.

He noted that country's women, in spite of several disadvantages, domestic and in the workplace, have achieved milestones in terms of education, health, freedom of choice, liberty and equality in law.

"We feel proud that our women are today ready to assert their right to life with dignity and self-respect," he said.

After women members demanded early introduction of a bill on reservation for them in Parliament and Assemblies, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said the UPA government was committed to do it before the end of its tenure.

Noting that passing of the bill would require two-third support in Parliament, he said discussions had been held and were being held with various political parties on the issue. Hopefully, light at the end of the tunnel would come nearer, the minister said.