SheLeads II Programme
The second edition of SheLeads, UN Women’s flagship workshop for women leaders was inaugurated recently. This event follows the landmark Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, which mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. With women currently holding only 14% of seats in the 18th Lok Sabha, SheLeads aims to bridge this gap by equipping women with the skills needed for political leadership.
Background and Significance
- SheLeads is a capacity-building programme by UN Women India.
- It supports grassroots women leaders, elected representatives, and administrators.
- The workshop encourages dialogue and strengthens political leadership skills.
- It is crucial for translating policy commitments on gender equality into tangible outcomes.
- The programme aligns with India’s development goals, including the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s Agenda 2040.
Workshop Structure and Participation
The two-day workshop selected 36 participants from over 260 applicants across 22 states. Selection criteria included experience, motivation, and future plans. Participants engage in interactive sessions with Members of Parliament, policy experts, and media strategists. Key topics include electoral campaigning, governance structures, narrative building, and media engagement. The programme builds confidence and practical skills for women leaders.
Gender Equality and Governance
SheLeads contributes to gender equality by enhancing women’s political participation. It nurtures leadership at the grassroots and policy levels. The programme helps create governance that reflects diverse citizen aspirations. It supports women in contesting upcoming Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. Such initiatives are essential to making India’s governance more inclusive and representative.
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