The IYC announces Women’s Shakti Abhiyan through ‘Indira Fellowship Program’ which, the organization claims, is an initiative of Congress, was formed in memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with an aim to empower women in the political arena.
The moot idea of the initiative is to encourage and empower women in various aspects of governance, including political representation as well as their greater participation in politics and in decision making processes. Rahul Gandhi already has urged women to join this revolution called Shakti Abhiyan, said a press statement issued by the IYC. The Indira Fellowship is a significant component of Shakti Abhiyan and it has been designed to provide a platform for women who aspire to make a lasting impact in their communities.
As a Political tool, this movement is based on the fundamental ideas of ‘haq, hissedari and pehchan.
In the short span of one year, more than 300 Fellows have established 4300 Shakti Clubs with an astonishing 31000 Members in 28 States and 350 Blocks across the nation, serving as the nodal point for the setting up and running of the Shakti Abhiyan.
“Our goal is to ensure that women receive 50% share in resources, opportunities, and in power structures. Through this poignant initiative we aim to create an equal space for building ‘women’s interest’ in politics and decision-making, encouraging representation ‘of women by women’ at all levels of governance – local bodies, legislative assemblies, and parliament”, said the press statement.
The statement then added : “Our desires and aspirations can never be rightfully represented in a divided and polarized society; therefore the Shakti Abhiyan campaign urges women to organize themselves against hate and violence. The current socio-political climate in the country requires women to act as change makers and help reverse current public discourse vitiated with violent and hate -filled political appeals”.
