She Represents 2026 is a 7-day leadership program designed for 50 local women elected representatives from across India, brought together through a thoughtful and inclusive selection process. The program brings together elected women from both rural and urban areas, including those serving under the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) governance. It is a step towards nurturing and strengthening the leadership of women representatives as India moves toward implementing the Women’s Reservation Act.
Program Dates: 27 June - 03 July 2026 (Delhi)
Selected participants will travel to Delhi and stay together at a residential venue for the duration of the program.
The primary language used for facilitation would be Hindi and English.
Applications start Date : 07 March 2026
First Deadline : 04 April 2026
Why apply to She Represents?
Gain concrete political knowledge and practical leadership skills
Build governance skills, including negotiating with the bureaucracy
Interact with and learn from senior politicians and experienced bureaucrats
Receive personalized mentoring and guidance
Become part of a growing community of women leaders across India
Program Highlights
Political knowledge & skills
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Build a strong understanding of the Indian political system, political ideologies
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Build expertise in a variety of political skills like narrative building, community mobilisation, etc.
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Sharpen your media and public speaking skills
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Learn about constitution and its relevance in your work
Community
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Be part of a community of elected women representatives from across the country
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Connect with experts and senior leaders from various parties and regions
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Integrate with the larger ISD alumni ecosystem which consists of local representatives and position holders in various parties
Governance
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Understand overview of urban and rural local governance
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Learn how to negotiate with government officials and get the work done
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Learn from senior bureaucrats and governance experts
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Improve your planning and other practical skills relevant for daily governance work
Inner Work and Leadership
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Engage in contemplative activities aimed at cultivating self-awareness to attain inner clarity
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Get exposure to identify biases and perspectives
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Identify limiting and enabling powers within the self
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Engage with questions of political ethics, and articulate your moral compass
Who is it for?
50 female participants | Age 21 - 50 years
Are you a local elected woman representative?
Are you passionate about bringing change at the your local community?
If yes, we invite you to apply for She Represents.
We value the diversity in our country and encourage women from different political, religious, cultural, class, caste, economic and regional backgrounds to apply.
We are looking for women with demonstrated evidence of public service and women who are elected representatives.
Preferred Profiles
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Ward Member
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Panchayat President / Sarpanch
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ZP Member
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Municipal Councillor
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District Council Member
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BDC Member
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Town Council Member
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Others
Anyone who is currently in an elected position or has been in a position of elected representative in the past can apply for this program. Age limit - 21 to 50 years.
Application Process
Step 1: You will fill a short application form. This will include some demographic questions, a video question (optional) and some subjective questions to help us understand your journey better.
Step 2: If shortlisted, we will invite you for a virtual interview
Step 3: Based on the shortlisting, we will create a cohort of 50 elected women representatives and hold an induction call with them (pre-program induction call).
Program Dates: 27 June - 03 July 2026
(In-person in Don Bosco, Delhi)
Speakers of She Represents 2024
Alka Lamba
President - All India Mahila Congress
Bandana Kumari
MLA Shalimar Bagh, Aam Aadmi Party
Accountability Initiative
Centre for Policy Research
Scholarship
There will be scholarships of 100% for all the participants
The approximate base cost per participant for She Represents is 30,000 INR. But we believe that financial barriers should not prevent women from participating in our program.
We invite participants to contribute as per their capacity and look at it as an investment in your own self and your political future.
We are committed to bring more women in the political sphere by providing opportunities to women from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Please do not let finances be the barrier for your application.
First deadline to apply 04th April 2026