The National Commission for Women (NCW) is set to hold its first 'Mock National Commission for Women Advisory Committee' programme on 30 and 31 October 2025 at Graphic Era University, Dehradun, offering young Indians a structured platform to engage with women's rights issues and propose actionable solutions. The event marks the launch of a nationwide initiative by the Commission.

Theme and Key Discussions

The central theme of the Dehradun dialogue is 'The Representation of Women on Digital Entertainment Platforms.' Participants will deliberate on how women are depicted in films and web series, questions of dignity, and the broader societal impact of entertainment content. Core questions on the table include whether entertainment platforms present an accurate and empowering image of women, and whether there is a greater need to portray women as strong and self-reliant in mainstream media.

Who Can Participate

Young people aged between 18 and 30 years are eligible to take part. Interested applicants can register through the NCW's social media channels or via a Google Form linked to the official announcement. Selected participants will be invited to attend the Dehradun event in person.

What NCW Chairperson Said

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar underlined the importance of youth engagement on women's issues. Rahatkar said, 'The youth are the strength of the nation. Their participation in issues concerning women is vital. Through the Mock National Commission for Women Advisory Committee, young people will have the opportunity to express their views and engage with efforts toward women's empowerment. Our goal is for the youth to come forward on matters related to women's rights, dignity, and safety, and to play their part in building a better society.'

Year-Long Role on Youth Advisory Committee

A notable feature of the programme is that selected participants will be appointed as members of the NCW's Youth Advisory Committee for a period of one year. In this capacity, they will submit recommendations to the Commission on issues covering women's safety, rights, and empowerment. The names of the selected committee members are scheduled to be announced on 12 January — coinciding with National Youth Day.

Broader Significance

This initiative comes at a time when concerns about the portrayal of women in digital content — particularly on over-the-top (OTT) platforms and streaming services — have gained traction in public discourse. By channelling youth perspectives into a formal advisory structure, the NCW is attempting to bridge the gap between institutional policy-making and the generation most exposed to digital media. The programme is expected to be rolled out across multiple cities following the Dehradun launch.