New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI) Delhi Department of Women and Child Development Secretary Rashmi Singh on Thursday underscored the need for women’s reservation citing historical disadvantage, as several other leaders stressed the need for greater participation of women in social, economic and political spheres.
The remarks were made at the two-day Women Leaders’ Conclave 2026, being held at the India International Centre here on August 13-14 under the theme ‘Claiming Equity in Viksit Bharat’. The conclave has brought together more than 125 women leaders from across India to deliberate on issues, including women in leadership, livelihoods, digital inclusion, mobility, access to justice and leadership from Panchayat to Parliament.
Singh said women should be given a “level-playing field” and that this was not merely about equal opportunity but also “positive discrimination” to address historical disadvantage.
“Therefore, when we talk about reservations for women – whether in police or in political leadership — why is reservation needed? Because it is required to serve out historical disadvantage,” she said.
Singh said women have moved from discussions around welfare and empowerment to leadership, adding that barriers to women’s participation also hold back the development of the country.
“If we talk about Viksit Bharat speed scale at which India needs to change, and the pace of development that we need, women have an important role to play… This is not merely about equal opportunity; it is also about positive discrimination, and that is because we have to acknowledge years and years of historical disadvantage,” she said.
Singh also said society has a moral responsibility to deal with the barriers that come in women’s way.
“When we talk about equal opportunity for women, equal access and equity, we need to ensure that there are no barriers or obstacles within those opportunities. If barriers emerge, our growth and development begin to slow down,” she said.
Pankaj Mittal, secretary general of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the second woman to head the nearly 100-year-old body, highlighted the sharp fall in women’s representation as they move up the academic leadership ladder.
While women account for around 47-48 per cent of assistant professors, their representation falls to around 37 per cent at the associate professor level, around 27 per cent at the professor level and just 7-8 per cent at the vice-chancellor level, she said.
“So the question is: Where do women go? At what point do they suddenly disappear?” Mittal asked.
She identified three key barriers to women’s rise into leadership positions — stereotyping, women’s attitude towards themselves and society’s attitude towards women, and the glass ceiling.
Mittal also urged women who reach leadership positions to promote other women, saying such support could gradually bring about wider social change.
“Whenever a woman reaches a good position and promotes other women, gradually things will change in society,” she said.
Rekha Mody, founder of the NGO Stree Shakti, said the initiative sought to build a community of women leaders who can connect, support and mentor each other.
“We want reservation. We want 33 per cent with or without delimitation,” Mody said. “Our agenda is simple: You are giving 33 per cent; we want it. Simple,” she added.
“The Women Leaders Conclave 2026, co-organised by Streeshakti and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), aims to empower women leaders by fostering an inclusive platform that advances leadership, gender equality, and the vision of Viksit Bharat,” Aruna Abhey Oswal, chair, Women Child Development & Entrepreneurship Committee, PHDCCI, said.
Nitya Pathak, executive convenor, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, said, “The dream of a Viksit Bharat can only be realised when women are equal participants, leaders, and decision-makers in the nation’s development, empowered through education, skills, digital literacy and economic self-reliance” PTI KSH PRK
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