IYC launched the Women’s Empowerment Campaign under the Indira Fellowship.

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Indira Fellowship program is an initiative of the Indian National Congress, launched in memory of former Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, with the aim of empowering women in the political sphere.

Umang Singhar stated that the Indian National Congress has continuously worked to encourage and empower women in various aspects of governance, particularly in political representation. The Congress Party has implemented policies and initiatives that ensure greater participation of women in politics and decision-making processes.

Mitendra Singh mentioned that their leader, Rahul Gandhi, strongly believes in ensuring significant participation of women in politics and nation-building. He has urged women to join this movement, referred to as the ‘Shakti Abhiyan’ (Women’s Empowerment Campaign).

The Indira Fellowship is a key component of the Shakti Abhiyan, designed to provide a platform for women who aspire to make a lasting impact in their communities. As a political tool, this movement is based on the core ideas of “rights, participation, and identity.”

Geeta Kadve, while providing further information, shared that in just a short span of one year, more than 300 fellows have established 4,300 Shakti Clubs across 28 states and 350 blocks, with over 31,000 members. These clubs serve as the central hub for the establishment and operation of the Shakti Abhiyan.

“Our goal is to ensure that women receive 50% participation in resources, opportunities, and power structures. Through this impactful initiative, we are striving to give women equal importance in political interests and decision-making processes, ensuring ‘women’s representation by women’ in local bodies, assemblies, and parliament,” she said.

“Our hopes and aspirations can never be accurately represented in a divided and polarized society. Therefore, the Shakti Abhiyan calls upon women to organize against hate and violence. In the current socio-political scenario of the country, the role of women is essential as transformative agents, helping reverse the public discourse polluted by violent and hate-filled political appeals.”

“We are working with the commitment that through the Shakti Abhiyan, women will play a critical role in building a constructive society where they are at the center,” she added.