In News:

The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, inaugurated the second edition of UN Women’s flagship capacity-building programme — SheLeads II: Workshop for Women Leaders in New Delhi (August 2025). The initiative seeks to strengthen women’s political leadership, a crucial step towards women-led development and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Key Highlights:

• The workshop comes in the backdrop of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, mandating 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• Despite this landmark reform, only 14% of seats in the 18th Lok Sabha are currently occupied by women, highlighting the urgent need for leadership training and political empowerment.

About SheLeadsProgramme

• Flagship Initiative: Launched by the UN Women India Country Office.
• Aim: Advance gender equality in public and political leadership, equipping women with skills, confidence, and networks to contest elections and participate effectively in governance.
• Scope: Supports women leaders in shaping policies, governance structures, and electoral narratives that reflect the aspirations of all citizens.
• Participation: In 2025, over 260 applications from 22 states were received; 36 participants were selected for the two-day workshop.
• Engagement: Interactive sessions with MPs, policy experts, and media strategists on electoral campaigning, governance, narrative building, and media engagement.

About UN Women

• Established in 2010 by the UN General Assembly, consolidating resources and mandates under one entity.
• Mandate:
  • Support intergovernmental bodies (e.g., Commission on the Status of Women) in framing global standards.
  • Assist member states in implementing gender equality commitments through technical and financial support.
  • Partner with civil society to advance women’s rights and empowerment.