Empowered Women, Stronger Panchayats!
The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society organised a leadership training programme for selected women leaders of the Stree Bandhu Federations, who are preparing to contest in the forthcoming Gram Panchayat elections, at Chaitanya on 19 August 2026.
The training programme was organized with the objective of strengthening the leadership abilities, self-confidence, awareness, and decision-making skills of women leaders. The training also aimed to encourage women to actively participate in local self-governance and community development and to prepare themselves to take up responsible leadership roles in their respective Gram Panchayats.
As women play an important role in the development of families and communities. Their active participation in democratic institutions such as Gram Panchayats can contribute significantly to identifying local problems, addressing community needs, and ensuring that the benefits of government schemes and development programmes reach the poor, marginalized, and deserving sections of society. Keeping this objective in mind, the training focused on motivating women to recognize their potential and confidently participate in the electoral and leadership process.
In his introductory remarks at the training workshop, Father Pius D'Souza, Director of SMSSS, addressed the participating women leaders and emphasized the importance of recognizing and making proper use of opportunities. He said that opportunities may come to every person only once and that no one should allow such valuable opportunities to pass by without making the best possible use of them. He encouraged the women not to remain deprived of opportunities because of fear, hesitation, or a lack of confidence. He also explained that the organization has a structured system consisting of the Sangha, Mahasangha, and Taluk Federation. He encouraged the participants to actively identify themselves, participate in their activities and make proper plans for achieving their goals. He explained that active participation in such collective organizations provides women with valuable opportunities to develop their leadership qualities and become confident and capable leaders. He further encouraged the women to adopt the qualities of good leadership, including self-confidence, responsibility, commitment, proper planning, unity, and active participation. He called upon them to participate actively in the development activities of their respective communities and Gram Panchayats. He expressed his hope that the participants would grow into value-based leaders who would work not only for their own development but also for the welfare of their families, Sanghas, Mahasanghas, Gram Panchayats and the wider community. He stressed that good leadership should ensure that the exploited, poor, and marginalized sections of society receive the facilities, opportunities, and benefits to which they are entitled. His address motivated the women to view leadership as an opportunity for service and positive social change.
Speaking at the training programme, Mrs. Shweta, Vice President of the State Manini Mahila Sangha, highlighted the importance of unity, collective participation, and consensus among women. She stated that every woman in the SHG could gain greater strength when women stand together in unity and support one another. She encouraged the participants to make effective use of the opportunities available to them through the reservation system and to contest and win elections through unity, cooperation and collective decision-making. She emphasized that women should not consider elections and leadership positions merely as individual achievements. Instead, she encouraged them to work together and build collective strength so that more women could enter local governance and represent the needs and concerns of their communities. Her speech encouraged the participants to overcome divisions and work with unity and consensus, strengthening the representation and voice of women in Gram Panchayat administration.
One of the important parts of the training programme was the experience-sharing session by women representatives who had successfully contested and won the previous Gram Panchayat elections.
Mrs. Saheda of Ayanur Gram Panchayat, Mrs. Bhagyamma of Sugur Gram Panchayat, and Mrs. Rekhabai of Kotegangur Gram Panchayat shared their personal experiences of participating in the electoral process and serving as women representatives. They spoke about their journeys, experiences, challenges, and the importance of courage and determination in public life. Their real-life experiences provided valuable motivation to the women leaders who are preparing to contest the upcoming elections. The participants were encouraged to develop confidence in their own abilities and not to be discouraged by challenges. The experience-sharing session helped aspiring women leaders understand that with proper preparation, community support, determination and active participation, women can successfully take up leadership responsibilities. Their motivational speeches inspired the participants to step forward confidently and actively participate in the democratic process.
The leadership training was conducted by Mr. Jagadeesha K.H. Coordinator of the organization, who served as the resource person for the programme.
The session focused on the importance of developing leadership qualities and preparing women for greater participation in community and local government activities. The participants were encouraged to improve their confidence, communication, planning, decision-making, and organizational abilities. The training emphasized that an effective leader should understand the needs and problems of the people, listen to the community, work with others, and make responsible decisions for the welfare of society. Women were encouraged to actively participate in the affairs of their Sanghas, Mahasanghas, Taluk Unions, and Gram Panchayats. Through regular participation and proper planning, they can gain experience and develop the skills necessary to take up greater responsibilities in public life.
The training also encouraged the participants to become leaders who uphold values, work honestly, and give priority to the welfare of the community. The importance of representing the concerns of poor, exploited, and marginalized people and helping them access their rightful facilities and benefits was also emphasized.
The Animators and staf the organization. Mrs. Savita M. and Mrs. Latha D. were present and contributed to the success of the training programme.
The programme began with a prayer led by Mrs. Gowramma, creating a positive and meaningful atmosphere for the training.
Mrs. Pratima welcomed the participants and guests and expressed her happiness over the participation of women leaders in the important leadership development programme.
At the conclusion of the programme, Mrs. Shashikala proposed the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the resource persons, guests, participants, organizers, activists, and everyone who contributed to the successful organization of the training.