GRB Hosts International Conference focused on Women-led Development & Leadership

By: WE staff | Thursday, 10 April 2025

• Gender Responsive Budgeting Cell organized 2-day International Conference
• Conference aimed to integrate Women in Development agendas at all levels

The Gender Responsive Budgeting Cell (GRB) held a two-day International Conference titled "Actions to Accelerate Women-Led Development" at the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM) on April 8-9, 2025. The conference focused on gender-inclusive policies and leadership. Experts from academia, policy, entrepreneurship, and social sectors discussed strategies for women-led development.

The conference aimed to integrate women in development agendas at local and global levels, emphasizing the importance of women-led development models and gender equity policy initiatives. Dr Jaya Bhalla, Co-Convener, along with Convenor BK Pandey, extended the welcome address highlighting the importance of these models.

AJNIFM director Parveen Kumar introduced the GRB Cell and emphasized the organization's role in incorporating gender considerations into financial management training during the opening sessions. Additionally, Archana Singh, CEO of Anandaya Foundation, discussed women-led development during India's G20 presidency, while Jaya Goyal, Chairperson of the Women Entrepreneur Cell, emphasized the state of women's entrepreneurship in India. Bikash Narayan Mishra, senior advisor, Indian Banking Association, highlighted the need for institutional support.

The conference focused on women's development, gender equality, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurship, with case studies on digital inclusion and healthcare access for rural women.