New Delhi, March 2 (NationPress) The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is set to host a national workshop for elected women representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions where the ‘Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan’ will be inaugurated to bolster their governance role, on March 4 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, as per an official announcement made on Sunday.

The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan is a major initiative designed to enhance the capacity-building efforts for elected women representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions across India. It aims to refine their leadership skills, improve their decision-making abilities, and strengthen their influence in grassroots governance, the statement described.

Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi, along with senior officials, will be present at the event.

Recognizing the vital contribution of elected women representatives in rural governance, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has developed a strategic plan to boost their leadership and promote their active engagement in decision-making processes. In advance of International Women's Day, this event will mark the first time that elected women representatives from all three levels of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) will gather on a national stage for substantive and action-oriented discussions.

More than 1,200 women leaders from various backgrounds will take part in this significant initiative. A notable aspect of the event will be the recognition of exceptional women leaders from Panchayats in different states and union territories who have shown outstanding commitment to rural self-governance.

The workshop will also introduce dedicated training modules aimed at building the capacity of elected women representatives, alongside an introduction to laws addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices.

The National Workshop will include well-structured panel discussions on essential topics concerning women’s involvement in local governance, such as 'Women’s Participation and Leadership in PRIs: Changing the Dynamics in Local Self-Governance', which will explore how greater female representation is transforming rural governance systems, and 'Women-Led Local Governance: Sectoral Interventions by WERs', which will address critical issues like health and nutrition, education, the safety and security of women and girls, economic opportunities, and digital advancements.

Senior officials leading these discussions will include Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, and Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, bringing significant expertise to these important dialogues. Additionally, cultural performances celebrating women’s achievements and resilience, organized by UNFPA, will enhance the National Workshop, showcasing the rich cultural heritage that honors women's contributions to society.

This National Workshop is in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, highlighted in the 119th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat', which emphasizes the significance of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power) in the progress of the nation. The initiative reflects the government's commitment to fostering Gram Panchayats that are safer, more inclusive, gender-sensitive, and socially fair, creating an environment conducive to the growth and success of women and girls across the country, the statement concluded.