Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India recently featured Mrs. Bella Gandhi, State Counsellor of Odisha, in a special edition of its Women’s Leadership Program podcast held in New Delhi. Renowned for her grassroots advocacy and commitment to human rights, Mrs. Gandhi offered thoughtful reflections from her career, encouraging young women to embrace leadership with empathy and purpose.
Drawing from her experience working with marginalized communities, Mrs. Gandhi highlighted the systemic challenges women face in public life. She stressed the importance of inclusive policymaking, quoting Indira Gandhi: “You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist,” to reinforce the power of dialogue and collaboration in governance.
A core theme was the critical role of women in local governance. Mrs. Gandhi emphasized that education, mentorship, and solidarity are essential in cultivating resilient female leaders. She also encouraged women to embrace emotional intelligence, noting that balanced and self-aware individuals naturally inspire trust and emulate strong leadership.
Mrs. Gandhi’s practical advice included tips on staying calm under pressure, using confident body language, and even mastering subtle communication tools to connect with others. In a message to the next generation of women leaders, she emphasized the importance of self-belief, a willingness to learn, and awareness of their environment. She encouraged them to approach societal challenges thoughtfully while handling personal responsibilities with grace and resilience. “You don’t have to choose between your home and the world; you can manage both,” she advised, urging women to lead with both competence and compassion.
This podcast reflects the broader efforts by the Global Peace Foundation and Global Peace Women (GPW) to actively nurture women’s leadership as a driving force for community transformation and peacebuilding. Through initiatives like the Women’s Leadership Series, GPF and GPW provide platforms where women can exchange ideas, share personal journeys, and build networks of solidarity. These spaces are designed not only to inspire but also to equip women with practical tools, mentorship opportunities, and policy engagement strategies that help them take on leadership roles in their homes, communities, and public life.
By spotlighting leaders like Mrs. Bella Gandhi, GPF and GPW are reinforcing their commitment to elevating diverse female voices and creating environments where women are recognized as equal partners in decision-making, peacebuilding, and development.
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