Shaifalika Panda recognised with Shakti Award for empowering women and girls

Bhubaneswar, Aug 7: Shaifalika Panda, Founder and CEO of the Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation—the CSR arm of IMFA—was presented with the esteemed Shakti Award at the 'We Women Want Conclave 2025' held in New Delhi, hosted by NewsX. The award recognises her impactful work in the field of social development.

In addition to receiving the honour, Panda participated in a panel discussion titled “Bringing Up Girls”, which explored ways to foster supportive environments for young girls in a complex and often inequitable society. During the session, she stressed that empowering girls through improved education, healthcare, and mentorship is essential to nurturing confident women leaders of tomorrow.

Joining her on the panel were notable voices including 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 was moderated by Priya Sehgal, Editorial Director at NewsX.

Panda highlighted the importance of challenging entrenched gender norms and removing systemic barriers, especially in rural areas where girls’ ambitions are often restricted. “True empowerment means moving beyond symbolic gestures and building long-term, community-driven support systems,” she noted. She underscored the importance of the “Three A’s” — Agency, Aspiration, and Access — as critical tools in enabling girls to reach their full potential.

The ‘We Women Want Conclave’ has become a prominent platform for dialogue, advocacy, and celebration of women’s achievements. The 2025 edition featured keynote addresses from Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alongside appearances from renowned personalities like Ekta Kapoor, Dia Mirza, and Shabana Azmi.

The event also honoured grassroots changemakers, such as the “Drone Didis” and “Lakhpati Didis”, whose inspiring journeys of resilience and innovation struck a chord with attendees.