The SheLeads II Programme, the second edition of UN Women’s flagship workshop for women leaders, was inaugurated recently with a strong vision to reshape India’s political landscape. Coming soon after the historic Women’s Reservation Act, 2023—which mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies—the programme aims to close the gender gap in political representation. Currently, women hold just 14% of the seats in the 18th Lok Sabha, a number that underlines the urgent need for initiatives like SheLeads. By equipping women with leadership, governance, and communication skills, the SheLeads II Programme is helping create a more balanced and representative democracy.
Background and Significance of the SheLeads II Programme
The SheLeads II Programme is a capacity-building initiative launched by UN Women India. It focuses on empowering grassroots women leaders, elected representatives, and administrators through structured learning, mentorship, and exposure to political processes. This programme is not just about training—it’s about building a pipeline of capable women leaders ready to step into key decision-making roles.
By fostering dialogue, encouraging peer learning, and providing expert guidance, the SheLeads II Programme serves as a bridge between policy commitments on gender equality and actual implementation. It aligns with India’s broader development vision, including the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the nation’s Agenda 2040, which call for inclusive growth and gender-balanced governance.
In a political system where male dominance has historically been the norm, the SheLeads platform challenges the status quo, giving women the tools and confidence to contest elections and participate in governance effectively.
Workshop Structure and Participation
The SheLeads II Programme is designed as a two-day immersive workshop, drawing participation from across the country. For this edition, organisers received over 260 applications from 22 states, out of which 36 outstanding candidates were selected. Selection was based on key factors such as leadership experience, community impact, personal motivation, and vision for future work in governance.
The programme offers a mix of interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on activities. Participants engage directly with Members of Parliament, policy experts, media professionals, and political strategists. The workshop covers critical topics such as:
- Electoral campaigning techniques – strategies for effective outreach and voter engagement.
- Governance structures – understanding the workings of the Indian political system.
- Narrative building – crafting powerful personal and political stories to connect with communities.
- Media engagement – using traditional and digital platforms for visibility and influence.
By combining practical skill-building with mentorship, the SheLeads II Programme not only boosts participants’ confidence but also prepares them to face the challenges of electoral politics head-on.
Gender Equality and Governance Impact
The SheLeads II Programme is much more than a training workshop—it’s a catalyst for change in the political representation of women. By enhancing political participation at both grassroots and national levels, the programme contributes directly to gender equality in governance.
It nurtures leadership potential among women who might otherwise face systemic barriers, such as lack of political exposure, limited resources, or societal biases. These women are then better equipped to contest elections, influence policy, and advocate for issues that matter to diverse communities.
Such initiatives are vital to building governance structures that reflect the aspirations of all citizens—not just a select few. With upcoming Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections on the horizon, graduates of the SheLeads II Programme are poised to make their mark, bringing fresh perspectives and inclusive policies into political discourse.
The Broader Vision
The SheLeads II Programme is not a one-time intervention; it is part of a larger movement toward inclusive political leadership in India. By building a network of trained, confident, and motivated women leaders, the programme strengthens democracy from the ground up.
It also serves as a model for how targeted, skill-based interventions can change the face of political representation. As more women step into leadership roles, policies are likely to become more responsive to community needs, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, women’s safety, and environmental sustainability.
The combination of legal reforms like the Women’s Reservation Act and capacity-building efforts like the SheLeads II Programme creates a powerful synergy. Together, they pave the way for a political system where women’s voices are not just heard but are integral to decision-making at every level.
