The National Women NGO Conclave, LeadHERship 2025: Navigating Change, Driving Impact, begins at the Jamia Hamdard Convention Centre, New Delhi. Jointly organized by The Women Education and Empowerment Trust (TWEET) and Jamia Hamdard University, the conclave brings together women leaders, grassroots activists, academicians, policymakers, and civil society representatives to chart inclusive and sustainable pathways for development.
Ms. Prachi Kaul, Director-India, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, inaugurated the conclave. In her address, she emphasized that women should be at the core of development agendas rather than at their periphery. Highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared expertise, she remarked, “If tides and waves (institutions) are in support of the ship (women), LeadHERship is going to sail successfully.”
Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard, presided over the conclave. In his address, he urged women-led NGOs to move beyond traditional frameworks and focus on creating sustainable solutions. Emphasizing the need for greater representation of women in decision-making spaces, he stated, “We must invent a new India where every woman achieves autonomy over her choice.” He concluded with the words, “नारी शक्ति सम्मान ही राष्ट्र का सम्मान” – Respect for women’s power is respect for the nation.
rof. (Dr.) Reshma Nasreen, from the School of Management & Business Studies and Chairperson of the Centre for Training and Development, Jamia Hamdard, delivered the welcome address. In her remarks, she emphasized the crucial role of NGOs in advancing women’s development at the grassroots level, stating, “The government makes the policy, and NGOs ensure these reach the most marginalized communities.”
Ms. Rahmathunnissa A, Chairperson of TWEET, addressed the conclave, emphasizing the importance of opportunities and inclusiveness. “We women don’t need empowerment; what is lacking are opportunities and inclusiveness,” she stated. She further highlighted KISS—Knowledge, Intention, Skills, and Strategy—as the key pillars for the growth and effectiveness of NGOs.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Syeedun Nisa, Professor, School of Management and Business Studies, and Honorary Director, Centre for Training and Development, Jamia Hamdard