News18 SheShakti 2025 recently held its grand finale in Delhi, following an inaugural regional edition in Mumbai earlier in the year. Presented by Lions International, the event celebrated women from various sectors who are not only breaking barriers but are also actively involved in constructing the future of India.

The core theme of News18 SheShakti 2025 was "From Breaking Barriers to Building Bharat". Discussions and sessions highlighted how women are essential architects of a new, more inclusive India, influencing everything from grassroots empowerment to global influence. The event served as a platform for women across different sectors to connect, exchange ideas, and challenge traditional norms.

Several prominent figures participated in News18 SheShakti 2025, including Rekha Gupta, Smriti Irani, Lindy Cameron, Nidhi Khare, and Mallika Srinivasan, representing governance, diplomacy, and industry. President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the country's dedication to women-centric progress, noting women's increasing achievements in various fields such as science, the military, and more. She highlighted that women are confidently taking the lead and not waiting for opportunities.

The event showcased numerous examples of women who are driving change. Shanti Raghavan, Founder of EnAble India, discussed her work in creating livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities, highlighting the potential of compassion and enterprise to address systemic inequalities. Lakshmi V. Venkatesan, Founding Trustee of BYST, emphasized the importance of mentorship in unlocking the potential of young individuals. Asha V. M, Co-founder of Nutricook; Dr. Tanvi Pande, Founder of Shri Sai Physiotherapy; and Kiran Bajpai of Padwomen Foundation, spoke about creating supportive ecosystems for women to succeed in areas like food innovation, healthcare, and menstrual hygiene.

The conversations also included the importance of culture and creativity in shaping perceptions. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, Managing Director of Pride East Entertainment, and Sangita Saxena, an educationist and social worker, reflected on the role of media and education in dismantling stereotypes while preserving cultural values. Meera Shenoy, Founder of Youth4Jobs, and Richa Agarwal, CEO of Emami Arts, discussed the importance of skilling rural youth and promoting creativity to ensure India's continued progress.

Avinash Kaul, CEO of Network18 (Broadcast) and MD of A+E Networks TV18, stated that News18 SheShakti has consistently been a platform to celebrate and empower women from diverse backgrounds. Puneet Singhvi, Chief Strategy Officer of Network18 Group, noted that women are leading across various sectors, shaping a New Bharat with inclusivity and courage, breaking norms, and setting examples for future generations.

News18 SheShakti 2025 underscored that women's leadership is not just about individual accomplishments but a collective effort to build systems, institutions, and cultures that uplift communities.