On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the Delhi unit of Congress launched the Women’s Shakti Abhiyan through the Indira Fellowship Programme, inviting women to join by giving a missed call to Mobile No. 8860712345. The initiative was unveiled by Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav at the DPCC office, Rajiv Bhawan, alongside National Coordinator of the Indira Fellowship Shakti Abhiyan Sifwa Mak and Delhi Pradesh Mahila Congress President Pushpa Singh, who were also present at the event.
During the launch, Devender Yadav emphasized that the Indira Fellowship Programme, initiated by the Indian National Congress in honor of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, aims to ensure 50% representation for women across all sectors, including politics and governance. He noted that the Women’s Shakti Abhiyan, first launched by Rahul Gandhi on October 14, 2023, and relaunched on September 29, 2024, seeks to empower women, who make up half of the country’s population. Over the past year, the programme has gained significant momentum among women, with a focus on engaging them in politics and providing leadership training to help them excel in various fields.
Yadav highlighted Congress’s long-standing efforts to promote women’s participation in politics and governance, proudly noting the party’s role in producing India’s first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, first woman President, Pratibha Patil, and Sheila Dikshit, who led Delhi’s Congress government for 15 consecutive years. He underscored Congress’s commitment to policies and initiatives aimed at increasing women’s involvement in political decision-making.
Yadav further stressed that Rahul Gandhi is deeply committed to expanding women’s role in politics and nation-building, encouraging them to join the movement through the Shakti Abhiyan.
Delhi Pradesh Mahila Congress President Pushpa Singh and senior leader Neetu Verma stated that the programme’s goal is to ensure women receive 50% representation in resources, opportunities, and power structures.
They aim to create equal spaces for women in politics and decision-making, promoting “representation by women for women” at all levels of governance, from local bodies to legislative assemblies and Parliament.
National Coordinator Sifwa Mak shared that, within just one year, more than 300 fellows have established 4,300 Shakti Clubs with 31,000 members across 28 states and 350 blocks nationwide. These clubs serve as key hubs for organizing and advancing the Shakti Abhiyan.
