In a significant move to advance gender-sensitive governance at the grassroots level, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj will launch its transformative initiative to develop Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats (MWFGP). This launch will take place at a National Convention on 5th March 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will be part of the Ministry’s International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
The initiative aims to establish at least one Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat in each district across the country. These model panchayats will promote safety, inclusivity, and gender equality for women and girls, aligning with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat through Viksit Panchayats.”
Ministers to Graces the Convention:
Union Ministers of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel (Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying) and Smt. Anupriya Patel (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare), will be attending the National Convention, alongside key officials such as Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Around 350 participants, including elected heads and officials from Gram Panchayats across India, will attend, either physically or virtually.
Virtual Inauguration and Monitoring Dashboard:
The Convention will feature the virtual inauguration of training for elected representatives and officials of identified Gram Panchayats. A Monitoring Dashboard will be launched to track the progress of these Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats. Presentations will highlight successful women-friendly initiatives and key elements for transformation in rural governance.
Mahila Gram Sabhas on 8th March 2025:
As part of the initiative, the Ministry will also organize nationwide Mahila Gram Sabhas on 8th March 2025. These will mark the grassroots-level launch of the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats initiative in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
This initiative is poised to reshape rural governance by making Gram Panchayats more inclusive, gender-sensitive, and safer for women, helping to build a more equitable society.
