Elected women representatives from Panchayati Raj institutions in India recently shared insights on how they're improving women's lives at the grassroots level at a special UN event titled 'Localizing the SDGs: Women in local governance in India lead the way'.
The event was held at the UN headquarters on the sidelines of the 57th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Population Development.
Three women Panchayat leaders — Neeru Yadav, Kunuku Hema Kumari and Supriya Das Datta — made their presentations in New York on May.2. The event was made possible after joint efforts between the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Yadav had played a key role in establishing a girls' hockey team in her native state of Rajasthan, along with working towards a plastic-free Panchayat (village government headquarters).
Hema Kumari organized medical camps and health awareness sessions in her home state of Andhra Pradesh. She also worked with local families to help increase the enrolment ratio of girls in schools.
“Empowerment lies in fostering self-reliance and confidence, encouraging informed decisions about health, education, and livelihoods,” said sarpanch (village leader) Hema Kumari.
Datta promoted a cause titled ‘Tomader Kotha Bolte Hobe’ (Your story must be told) in Tripura in order to enable women to share their stories without fear.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, was also present at the event. "In response to the aspirations of women in our country, today, out of over 3.1 million elected representatives, more than 1.4 million are women," Kamboj said in her address.
"Women in local governance in India lead the way. If India achieves the SDGs, the world achieves the SDGs," said Andrea Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative.
Empowering voices from India at the #UN: Women leaders from grassroots Panchayati Raj captivated the audience with their stories of local democracy & leadership. Their insights underscore the robust, transformative power of grassroots governance. #WomenLead #DemocracyInAction pic.twitter.com/oBvsmYUqTU
— Ruchira Kamboj (@ruchirakamboj) May 5, 2024
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