In News:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan” at a National Workshop held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The initiative is a significant step toward gender-sensitive governance and enhancing the role of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Key Features of the Initiative

• Objective: Capacity-building of WERs to strengthen their leadership, decision-making, and active participation in local governance.
• Scale: Over 1,200 WERs from across India participated.
• Representation: Women from all three tiers of PRIs took part, marking a first-of-its-kind national gathering.

Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats (MWFGPs)

• Launched alongside the Abhiyan.
• Aim: Establish at least one Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat in each district.
• Purpose: Promote gender-sensitive, inclusive, and girl-friendly local governance models.

Primer on Gender-Based Violence

• A "Primer on Law Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices" was released.
• Targeted at elected representatives to raise awareness and promote legal literacy regarding women's safety and rights.

Context and Background

• India has over 1.4 million women elected representatives in PRIs.
• Some states, like Bihar, report over 50% representation, surpassing the 33% constitutional mandate.
• The campaign also addresses the elimination of "Sarpanch Pati" culture, emphasizing the independent authority of WERs.

Panel Discussions and Sectoral Themes

• Themes included:
  • Women’s participation and leadership in PRIs
  • Health, education, safety, digital empowerment, and economic opportunities for women

Cultural Integration and Recognition

• Cultural performances by UNFPA celebrated women’s achievements.
• Outstanding WERs from various states/UTs were felicitated for contributions to rural governance.

Significance

• Aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” (119th episode) highlighting Nari Shakti in nation-building.
• Reinforces commitment to inclusive, safe, and socially just Gram Panchayats.