Annpurna Devi Launches SheLeads II Workshop in Delhi

The SheLeads II workshop, inaugurated by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, empowers grassroots women leaders and boosts political participation in the wake of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023.

Highlights:

• Inaugurated by: Union Minister for Women & Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi
• Organized by: UN Women India Country Office
• Focus: Capacity-building for women in politics and governance
• Participants: 36 selected leaders from 260+ applicants across 22 states
• Significance: Follows the historic Women’s Reservation Act, 2023
• Key Themes: Electoral campaigning, governance, media engagement, narrative building
• Support: Norway backs inclusive governance through SheLeads
• Objective: Empower women for leadership in Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections

In a significant move to enhance women’s political leadership, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, inaugurated the second edition of UN Women’s flagship programme, SheLeads II, in New Delhi today. This two-day workshop unites grassroots women leaders, elected officials, and administrators from across India to develop leadership skills, boost confidence, and foster networks for active political participation.

Organized at a crucial moment after the enactment of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023—which ensures 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies—the SheLeads initiative is instrumental in bridging the gender gap in political representation. At present, women occupy only 14% of the seats in the 18th Lok Sabha.

In her keynote address, Smt. Annpurna Devi highlighted that women’s leadership is central to building a Viksit Bharat, emphasizing that initiatives like SheLeads are vital to equipping women with the tools necessary to lead India’s development, aligned with the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2040.

Her Excellency Ms. May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance, stating, “We are proud to support initiatives like SheLeads, which play a crucial role in turning policy promises into meaningful change on the ground.”

This year, the workshop saw an overwhelming response with over 260 applications from 22 states — more than twice the number received during its inaugural edition in February. Following a rigorous selection process, 36 passionate and experienced women leaders were selected for their leadership potential. The programme features interactive sessions with MPs, policy experts, and media professionals, covering electoral strategy, governance, narrative building, and media engagement.

Ms. Kanta Singh, Acting Country Representative of UN Women India, emphasized the critical role of programmes like SheLeads in promoting inclusive governance. She stated, “Women leaders play a vital role in shaping policies that truly represent the voices of all citizens. Through SheLeads, we aim to equip them with the confidence, skills, and networks needed to step into leadership roles effectively.”

About SheLeads:
SheLeads is a flagship initiative of the UN Women India Country Office, dedicated to advancing gender equality in public and political leadership. It equips aspiring women leaders with skills to contest upcoming elections and lead change in their communities and beyond.

About UN Women:
UN Women is the United Nations organization focused on promoting gender equality and empowering women, striving to reform laws, policies, and societal norms to bridge the global gender gap.