3,000 women join Shakti Walk at Kartavya Path on Women’s Day

Marking International Women’s Day, nearly 3,000 women from diverse sectors participated in the ‘Shakti Walk-SheLeadsBharat’ along Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Sunday, celebrating women’s leadership, empowerment and their contributions to a progressive India.The women-led walk, organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, was held from 7:30 am to 10:00 am, covering an approximately two-kilometre stretch from India Gate to Vijay Chowk. The initiative highlighted the central role women play in shaping a progressive and inclusive Bharat.

#WATCH Delhi: Ministry of Women and Child Development organised Shakti Walk programme on the Kartavya Path on International Women's Day. pic.twitter.com/tWytWMPbKt

— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2026

According to information,participants included women from more than 150 ministries, departments and organisations, representing sectors such as the armed forces, police, media, healthcare, sports, government institutions, industry and grassroots organisations. Women officers from various ministries of the Government of India and representatives of international organisations were also invited to take part in the event.Among those attending the event was Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, who joined the walk and emphasised the growing role of women in national development. Speaking on the occasion, she highlighted that women’s leadership is increasingly becoming a reality in the country and credited initiatives aimed at empowering women across sectors.The walk was led by women public representatives, including Union Ministers, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, MLAs and other prominent women leaders and personalities from diverse fields. The programme began with brief addresses by dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial flag-off of the march.

#WATCH Delhi: CM Rekha Gupta participates in the 'Shakti Walk' organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on the Kartavya Path on the occasion of #InternationalWomensDay. pic.twitter.com/5b8tpP9ehn

— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2026

As part of the celebrations, installations showcasing key government schemes for women and highlighting the achievements of women across sectors were displayed along Kartavya Path. A curated cultural presentation at India Gate celebrated the spirit of womanhood and national pride, featuring performances such as Dollu Kunitha, Kalaripayattu, Sringarimelam, Ranchandi and Ghoomar, reflecting the cultural diversity and strength of women across India. The programme began with a mass rendition of “Vande Mataram”, and balloons carrying the message “Shakti Walk – SheLeadsBharat” were released.Meanwhile, Droupadi Murmu, President of India, was scheduled to join International Women’s Day celebrations at the Manekshaw Centre in the national capital. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, and Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for the ministry, were also expected to be present.
International Women’s Day, observed globally on March 8, recognises the achievements and contributions of women across social, economic, cultural and political spheres while reinforcing the commitment to gender equality and empowerment. The United Nations formally recognised the day in 1977, and it has since become a global platform for advancing women’s rights.This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” highlights the need to strengthen women’s rights, ensure access to justice and accelerate efforts toward gender equality worldwide.The Shakti Walk formed part of broader nationwide programmes marking International Women’s Day and recognising women’s role in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.