Women leaders seek reservation to address historical disadvantage at conclave

In New Delhi, a big meeting called the Women Leaders' Conclave 2026 brought together more than 125 women leaders from across India.

They talked about how women should get a fair chance to be leaders and decision-makers.

A government official named Rashmi Singh said women need special help because, for many years, they have not had the same chances as men.

She said this is why reservation is needed — setting aside some places for women — so the country can fix that unfairness from the past.

Another leader, Pankaj Mittal, explained that many women start out as college teachers, but very few become the top leaders of universities.

She said invisible walls, like stereotyping and the 'glass ceiling,' stop women from rising higher.

A woman named Rekha Mody said women want 33 percent of the seats reserved for them, no matter what.

Everyone at the meeting agreed that when women can lead, the whole country grows faster and becomes fairer for everyone.