New Delhi: Terming that a woman's life is full of struggles and challenges, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today assured that efforts were on to secure reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies soon.

"We have not been successful so far in securing 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and the Vidhan Sabhas. But we are making efforts and soon the reservation will be in place," she said addressing a Mahila Congress function here.

Speaking at the function held to felicitate her for her efforts towards declaration of October two as International Non-Violence Day by the United Nations, Gandhi said women should not lose patience in this regard.

"Our self-confidence will take us ahead. A woman's life is full of struggles and challenges. But there can be no doubt that a society's foundation and existence are courtesy women. Gradually, this will be realised by everyone," Gandhi said.

Gandhi also utilised the occasion to hit back at the party's detractors, saying questions were being raised about the Congress dedication to the issues of the poor and the under-privileged.

"Congress has always worked for the poor and the under-privileged. And the party will always follow this tradition," she said.

Gandhi thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his help in ensuring that October two, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, would be celebrated as the 'International Non-Violence Day.'

Source : PTI