In a powerful gathering of leaders, activists, policymakers, and influencers, the We Women Want Conclave 2025 brought the spotlight to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to women’s empowerment. Among the distinguished awardees was Shaifalika Panda, Founder and CEO of the Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation, the CSR arm of IMFA (Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd). She was conferred with the prestigious Shakti Award for her extensive work in social development, especially in uplifting rural communities and empowering girls to overcome systemic barriers.

The Significance of the Shakti Award

The Shakti Award honors women whose work embodies resilience, strength, and the power to transform communities. For Mrs. Panda, this recognition is not just a personal milestone but a validation of decades-long efforts in creating sustainable, community-led ecosystems where girls and women can thrive. Her leadership at the Bansidhar has focused on grassroots interventions in education, healthcare, skill-building, and gender equity, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Her approach moves beyond charity, aiming instead for systemic change that allows communities to sustain themselves long after the intervention phase.

A Voice for Confident Girls

At the conclave, Mrs. Panda took part in a panel titled “Bringing Up Girls,” alongside prominent thought leaders such as , Sara Abdullah Pilot (Co-Founder and Chairperson, CEQUIN), Charu Narang Singh (Board Member, Kisan Trust), and Radhika Bharat Ram (Joint Vice-Chairperson, The Shri Ram Schools). The discussion, moderated by Priya Sehgal (Editorial Director, NewsX), centered on how to create social structures that support girls in a complex and often unequal social landscape. Mrs. Panda’s core message was clear: empowerment must be structural and sustained. She underlined the three A’s as the guiding framework for change: Agency—enabling girls to make decisions about their own lives. Aspiration—nurturing the belief that they can dream big. Access—ensuring they have the tools, opportunities, and networks to succeed.

The Larger Vision

Events like the We Women Want Conclave are not merely ceremonial; they play a vital role in shifting public discourse, influencing policy, and inspiring grassroots movements. By honoring leaders like Shaifalika Panda, the platform sends a powerful message: lasting change comes from sustained effort, deep empathy, and inclusive collaboration. In a world still grappling with gender inequity, her work is a reminder that empowered girls become empowered women, and empowered women change the world.