2 weeks ago
Conclave calls for greater women's leadership in Viksit Bharat
Many women leaders from across India came together in New Delhi for a big meeting called the Women Leaders' Conclave.
The meeting lasted two days and was about giving women a bigger role in leading the country.
Its theme was 'Claiming Equity in Viksit Bharat,' which means asking for fair chances for women as India grows and develops.
More than 125 women from 12 states joined, including teachers, business owners and government workers.
They talked about jobs for women, caring for family, climate change, technology for everyone and fairness for all.
The speakers said that having just a few women in charge is not enough.
They believe women need training and support to become leaders, just like people need training for any big job.
They remembered how women took part long ago in Mahatma Gandhi's peaceful Satyagraha movement and helped shape the country's Constitution.
The leaders hope women will one day not just take part in India's development, but also help decide how it happens.
The two-day Women Leaders' Conclave 2026, themed 'Claiming Equity in Viksit Bharat,' is being held August 13-14 at the India International Centre in New Delhi.
More than 125 women leaders from 12 states are taking part in 13 thematic sessions on equity, livelihoods, governance and leadership.
Speakers said women's participation in leadership must move beyond representation to become a central force in building a developed India.
Rekha Mody recalled women as the 'natural choice' in Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha movement, citing 15 women in the Constituent Assembly and Panchayati Raj reservations.
The conclave builds on its first edition held in Srinagar in 2025 with around 500 women, and will launch two books and present two national awards.
- Who
- Women leaders from diverse sectors, including policymakers, parliamentarians, government officials, academics, entrepreneurs, development practitioners and grassroots leaders.
- What
- A two-day Women Leaders' Conclave 2026 themed 'Claiming Equity in Viksit Bharat' focused on women's leadership, equity, livelihoods and governance.
- Where
- India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi.
- When
- August 13-14, 2026.
- Why
- To move women's participation in leadership beyond representation so women become decision-makers and architects of India's development.
Key facts
- Event
- Women Leaders' Conclave 2026
- Theme
- Claiming Equity in Viksit Bharat
- Dates
- August 13-14, 2026
- Venue
- India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi
- Participants
- More than 125 women leaders from 12 states
- Sessions
- 13 thematic sessions
- Previous Edition
- Srinagar, 2025, with around 500 women
- Notable Speakers
- Rekha Mody; Vinita Sahay (IIM Bodh Gaya Director); Bidya Shanker Sahay (IIM Jammu Director)
Quotes
Bidya Shanker Sahay
Director, IIM Jammu
“"The focus should be on identifying livelihood opportunities for urban and rural women, as well as for educated and less‑educated women, so that each has the right to earn and live with dignity."”
thestatesman.com
“"Women‑led development means that you want to see women in leadership positions, and they have contributed across politics, education, sports, science, technology and development."”
thestatesman.com









