New Delhi [India], February 05: Acknowledging India’s commitment towards inclusive growth, Chintan Research Foundation, gets ready to host its inaugural National Conference titled ‘Sashakt Nari, Viksit Bharat’ on 26 February 2026 at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. The day-long conference will bring together senior policymakers, thinkers, scholars, industry experts, and the senior cadre of bureaucracy and governance to assess progress, identify gaps, and outline a future-facing roadmap for advancing women-led development in India, with a focus on key aspects that align with CRF’s areas of research, which include climate change, economy, industry, geopolitics, security studies, governance and infrastructure.
Over the last decade, India has made notable strides in enabling the development of, by, and for women through landmark initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) trinity, and Digital India, significantly expanding women’s access to education, financial inclusion, employment opportunities, and digital infrastructure. However, women’s workforce participation and economic contribution continue to be limited by persistent structural, social, and economic barriers. Strengthening women-led development remains critical to realising the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, of an inclusive and equitable Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“Equality on paper is insufficient without sustained attention to implementation and ensuring change happens”, shares Mr. Shishir Priyadarshi, President CRF.
In this background, the conference would touch upon pressing subjects related to women empowerment including the growing care economy and the crucial role women play in it; the dynamic trajectory of women entrepreneurship; the role of women as climate changemakers at grassroot level etc. Eminent speakers from all walks of life will be part of the proceedings. The day-long programme will feature a series of thematic panel discussions and fireside conversations across priority sectors.
The inaugural session of the conference will have an address by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Annpurna Devi, followed an address by the Guest of honour, Dr. Priti Adani. The morning session shall also have the official launch of the book titled ‘Sashakt Nari, Viksit Bharat: Women-Led Development @ 2047’ edited by Shishir Priyadarshi and Dr. Cchavi Vasisht.
Further discussions will examine the expanding role of women in economy and entrepreneurship, the unpaid care economy, sports and security, politics and governance, global geopolitics and diplomacy, and the implementation and impact of laws related to women’s rights and access to justice. A dedicated session on women in cinema will highlight the shift from representation to authorship and leadership in storytelling, alongside the growing global recognition of women-led Indian cinematic projects. Followed by a cultural program by Fouzia Dastango, an artist of the 16th century storytelling art, Dastangoi.. The evening culminates in an awards ceremony honouring women leaders driving transformative change across sectors.
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