The conversation around women in leadership, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields, is evolving in India, with a growing emphasis on competence and capability rather than gender as the defining factor for command and leadership roles. Several recent events and reports highlight this shift, even as challenges persist in achieving true gender parity.
News18's SheShakti 2025 grand finale in Delhi, centered on the theme "From Breaking Barriers to Building Bharat," spotlighted women's leadership in diverse fields and their crucial role in shaping India's global outlook. The event served as a platform to celebrate, empower, and engage dynamic women, showcasing the unique perspectives they bring to driving growth, building businesses, shaping sectors, and overcoming traditional challenges. President Droupadi Murmu asserted that India's vision for women-centric change is unwavering, noting women's consistent ascent to new heights in science, the armed forces, and various other domains.
This year's speakers included prominent figures from governance, diplomacy, and industry, such as Rekha Gupta, Smriti Irani, Lindy Cameron, Nidhi Khare, and Mallika Srinivasan. The discussions underscored that women are not merely breaking barriers but are actively constructing the foundations of a stronger, more inclusive nation.
Several initiatives and policy changes are driving this transformation. The inclusion of women in the National Defence Academy (NDA) marked a pivotal moment, with the first batch of women NDA cadets commissioned in May 2025. This milestone signifies a societal leap forward, supported by progressive legal reforms, visionary government initiatives, and a growing commitment to gender equality. The Supreme Court's ruling that women must be allowed to appear for the NDA entrance exam, declaring their exclusion unconstitutional, emphasized that opportunity and merit should not be gendered.
Furthermore, the Indian Army is developing a detailed policy on the career progression of women officers, including command positions. While progress has been made, with some women officers granted command positions in regular major units, disparities remain, highlighting the need for continued efforts to ensure equal opportunities.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. India's ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index 2025 reveals that structural gender inequalities remain deeply entrenched. The country's gender parity ranking slipped to 131 out of 148 countries, reflecting a decline in female political representation, particularly in Parliament and ministerial roles. Moreover, societal norms, lack of childcare support, and wage gaps continue to push women into the informal sector, where social security and protections are minimal.
To achieve true gender equality, India must focus on tangible, inclusive progress across all sectors. This includes bolstering women's access to finance, quality childcare, workplace safety, and land ownership rights. Additionally, addressing cultural barriers and ensuring the strict enforcement of gender-equality laws are crucial steps.
Several organizations and initiatives are actively working to empower women and promote gender equality in India. Organizations like SEWA (Self-Employed Women's Association) and the Azad Foundation are promoting economic independence and providing training in non-traditional fields. Government initiatives like the MUDRA loan scheme and self-help groups (SHGs) are facilitating financial inclusion.
The journey towards gender equality in India requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing policy changes, societal shifts, and individual empowerment. While challenges remain, the growing recognition that capability, not gender, should define command and leadership roles is a significant step forward. The News18 SheShakti 2025 initiative and other similar platforms play a vital role in amplifying the voices of women leaders, celebrating their achievements, and inspiring future generations to break barriers and build a more equitable and prosperous India.
