India and United Nations today launched a programme to empower elected women representatives in South Asia. The programme was jointly launched by the Minister for Panchayati Raj Dr.C P Joshi and his Norwegian counterpart Erik Solheim at a function in New Delhi today. The objective of the programme is to address second generation issues of democracy to pave the way for women to play more effective role as leader without facing discrimination in all areas of governance. It also aims to focus their concerns of economic, social and physical security. Speaking on the occasion, the Norwegian minister Erik Solheim said this is an important collaboration between India and Norway. Hailing India's track record in this area, he asserted promoting women's political leadership and governance is essential for holistic growth and development of India and South Asia. In his address Dr. CP Joshi while paying tributes to Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary, said that India has gone a long way in ensuring women's participation in the decision making. The Minister observed that 50% seats have been already been reserved for them in local bodies and providing them 33% reservation in state Assemblies and Parliament is on the anvil. A Bill to this effect has been already passed by the Rajya Sabha. Women representatives in village, block and district level Panchayats were present on the occasion and had interaction with the officials of the UN and other experts to share their experiences.