New Delhi, May 4, 2024: At the United Nations Headquarters, the voices of Indian women leaders echoed through its corridors. Elected women representatives (EWRs) from India’s Panchayati Raj Institutions gathered for the CPD57 Side Event titled “Localizing the SDGs: Women in Local Governance in India Lead the Way,” sharing their remarkable journeys and impactful initiatives driving progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Organized jointly by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the event showcased the exemplary role of Indian women in local governance.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj set the stage, emphasizing India’s unique Panchayati Raj system as a model of decentralized power and direct democracy, fostering active citizen participation.
With over 1.4 million EWRs, India’s journey exemplifies empowerment and inclusivity, particularly in women’s leadership, with a special focus on aligning local planning with the SDGs.
Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted India’s commitment to women’s empowerment in local governance, with over 46% of elected representatives being women. He highlighted innovative approaches such as thematic annual plans and technological interventions like geo-tagging, enhancing transparency and accountability in local development initiatives.
The event featured inspiring presentations by three iconic women EWRs: Supriya Das Datta, Kunuku Hema Kumari, and Neeru Yadav. Their stories showcased initiatives ranging from combating child marriage to promoting education and environmental sustainability, illustrating the transformative impact of grassroots leadership. Despite facing challenges, these leaders have spearheaded change, amplifying women’s voices and driving progress in their communities.
Supriya Das Datta shared initiatives empowering women and girls, including the expansion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and advocacy for women’s rights through initiatives like “Your Story Must Be Told.”
Kunuku Hema Kumari emphasized the importance of access to health and education in creating opportunities for women, fostering financial independence and higher education.
Neeru Yadav highlighted efforts towards environmental sustainability and leadership development among girls, underscoring the pivotal role of women in building a cleaner and greener future.
Keynote speakers, including Ambassador Andreas Lovold of Norway and representatives from UNFPA, lauded India’s progress in advancing gender equality and localizing the SDGs.
Ambassador Lovold highlighted the catalytic role of women’s leadership in economic development, citing India’s model as an inspiration to the global community. UNFPA representatives commended India’s efforts in reducing inequalities through women’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of gender-sensitive policies and capacity building.