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Delhi: The National Commission for Women will convene a two-day national consultation titled Shakti Samvaad at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, beginning Thursday. The forum is designed as an interactive and capacity-building engagement with State Women’s Commissions from across the country, bringing together officials, policymakers, and practitioners working on women’s rights and welfare.

The discussions will continue on Friday, January 30, with the aim of translating dialogue into practical and coordinated action at both national and state levels.

Focus on Coordination and Capacity Building

Shakti Samvaad has been conceptualised as a platform to deepen institutional cooperation between the National Commission for Women and State Women’s Commissions. The initiative seeks to promote the exchange of effective practices, address operational challenges, and strengthen the institutional capacity of state bodies dealing with women-related issues.

By encouraging open discussion and shared learning, the forum aims to ensure that mechanisms meant to protect and empower women function more efficiently and responsively.

Third Edition Within a Year

This Delhi meeting marks the third national-level Shakti Samvaad held within a year. Previous editions were organised in Ayodhya and Mumbai, where similar dialogues received positive participation and feedback from state commissions.

The frequency of these meetings underscores the Commission’s continued emphasis on cooperative federalism, particularly in areas linked to women’s safety, legal rights, and access to justice.

Participation From Across India

State Women’s Commissions from all regions of the country are expected to take part, making the event a nationwide consultation rather than a regional discussion. The wide participation is intended to reflect the diversity of challenges and policy environments across states, while also identifying common concerns that require collective solutions.

Such pan-India engagement allows states to learn from one another’s experiences and adapt successful models to their local contexts.

Inauguration and Special Announcements

The programme will be inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. As part of the opening session, the National Commission for Women will release its publication Safarnama, a book that compiles personal accounts and reflections from Commission staff involved in its work over the years.

The event will also include a prize distribution ceremony for winners of an online poster-making competition focused on the theme “Stay Safe Online,” highlighting the growing importance of digital safety for women.

Key Themes for Discussion

Over the two days, participants will deliberate on improving systems for complaint handling and investigation, strengthening management information systems, and enhancing the effectiveness of helpline services. State-specific laws related to women’s welfare will also be examined, along with ways to improve coordination between national and state bodies on legislative matters.

The agenda further includes discussions on advancing the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat initiative, developing a structured plan for district-level Jan Sunwai across the country, and sharing innovative approaches adopted by State Women’s Commissions.

Leadership Perspective on the Initiative

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar described Shakti Samvaad as more than a routine meeting, emphasizing its role in building collective resolve. She noted that bringing national and state commissions together on a single platform helps streamline coordination, speed up responses, and develop solutions that are rooted in ground realities.

She also stressed that sustained dialogue is necessary to ensure that women-focused laws, services, and grievance redressal mechanisms reach those who need them most.

Expected Outcomes

The two-day engagement is expected to conclude with clear follow-up actions and stronger institutional linkages between the National Commission for Women and State Women’s Commissions. Organisers anticipate that the outcomes will contribute to more effective policy implementation and improved protection of women’s rights, safety, and dignity across the country.