New Delhi is set to host a pivotal gathering as the National Commission for Women (NCW) kicks off ‘Shakti Samvad’ today at Bharat Mandapam. This two-day interactive session, continuing through Friday, brings together State Women’s Commissions (SWCs) from across India to strengthen institutional coordination and share best practices.
The event aims to enhance the capacities of state commissions, ensuring women’s rights and welfare reach every corner of the country. Marking the third national-level Shakti Samvad within a year—following successful editions in Ayodhya and Mumbai—it underscores NCW’s unwavering commitment to cooperative federalism in women’s empowerment.
Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will inaugurate the program, setting the tone for meaningful deliberations. A highlight will be the launch of ‘SafarNama’, a book compiling inspiring stories from NCW staff members who have been integral to its journey. Additionally, winners of the ‘Stay Safe Online’ online poster-making competition will receive prizes, celebrating creative awareness efforts.
Over the two days, discussions will focus on streamlining complaint handling and investigations, upgrading management information systems and helplines, reviewing state-specific laws, and fostering collaboration between NCW and SWCs in legal matters. Key agendas include advancing the ‘Child Marriage Free India’ initiative, devising strategies for district-level public hearings, and exchanging innovative practices implemented by state commissions.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized, ‘Shakti Samvad is more than a meeting; it’s a shared resolve. When national and state commissions unite, coordination improves, responses quicken, and solutions become more grounded.’ She added that such ongoing dialogues are essential to ensure laws, services, and grievance redressal truly reach the last woman.
This conclave is poised to yield concrete outcomes, forging stronger institutional partnerships that will amplify women’s rights, safety, and dignity nationwide. As participants from every state converge, the event promises a truly pan-India dialogue on gender justice.