NewsX Hosts We Women Want 2024; Celebrates stories of resilience

The halls of Hotel Taj Ambassador in New Delhi buzzed with vibrant energy as the We Women Want Festival 2024, organized by NewsX, brought together inspiring stories of womanhood, challenges, and triumphs. The festival saw participation from esteemed leaders, celebrities, and change-makers, culminating in the celebration of women’s empowerment and leadership through the prestigious Shakti Award 2024.

This year’s festival featured enthralling keynote addresses and panel discussions focused on critical issues affecting women today, such as financial independence, leadership, entrepreneurship, health, and societal expectations. Notable personalities in attendance included Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari, Delhi CM Atishi, Bollywood stars Raveena Tandon, Taapsee Pannu, Kritika Kamra, Esha Gupta, and a host of others from diverse fields, who shared their personal journeys and perspectives.

Keynote Speakers and Influential Voices

The event was marked by thought-provoking speeches from various luminaries. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari underscored the need for sustainable development and gender inclusivity in national policy, while Atishi emphasized the importance of collective action in empowering women.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the chief guest of the event, shared his vision for the future of sustainable transportation, stating, “Hydrogen is the future of cars.” He highlighted the potential of hydrogen-powered vehicles in reducing India’s reliance on fossil fuels and projected significant savings for the country over the next decade.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, the guest of honor for the event shared, “I believe that empowering women financially is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change in our world. But we cannot do it alone. It is the responsibility of every individual to contribute their time, resources, and expertise to make a difference.” Her words resonated deeply with the festival's theme, highlighting the collective effort needed to address women’s issues across sectors.

Col. Arti Chopra shared her inspiring journey, explaining, “I have put in almost 20 years of service, and I come from a civil background. I wanted to join; I wanted to don the uniform.” Her story exemplified the event's theme of breaking traditional gender roles and empowering women in leadership and service. 

Actress Esha Gupta, in her impassioned speech, spoke about the necessity of financial independence for women, stating, “Women are getting more independent. We want to have our own money so that nobody tomorrow can throw you out of your life. That is my goal, and it should be everyone’s.” Esha’s call for financial empowerment echoed the growing sentiment that economic autonomy is essential for women to lead empowered, independent lives.

Actress Taapsee Pannu reflected on her journey and the societal impact of her work, especially after her role in Pink. “Yes, they do and, I realized it this way too early in my career when I did Pink. I had a sense of responsibility because people did walk up to me and said things like I am being watched very seriously.” She highlighted how her roles in socially conscious films have heightened her awareness of the influence her work has on society.

Inspiring Conversations and Moments

Throughout the day, various panels explored topics such as leadership, health, reproductive rights, domestic violence, and identity. The festival provided a platform for women from different walks of life to connect, exchange ideas, and reflect on their experiences.

Lakshmi Puri, Naina Lal Kidwai, Saloni Gaur, Supriya Shrinate, Shazia Ilmi, and Shama Mohamed offered their insights on women in leadership, addressing the barriers women face and strategies to break the glass ceiling.

From health and wellness to professional challenges, speakers like Ishi Khosla, Dr. Gita Prakash, Col. Arti Chopra, and Samaira Sandhu highlighted the importance of mental and physical well-being for women.

Celebrating the Trailblazers

The event also honored exceptional women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields with the Shakti Award 2024. From sports champions like Saweety Boora to creative innovators like Rina Dhaka, Anjul Bhandari, and Rimpe Narula, the awardees embodied the spirit of resilience, creativity, and leadership.

A Turning Point

The festival's theme—focused on womanhood, identity, and empowerment—brought forth deeply personal narratives, highlighting the challenges women face in their journeys to success. The keynote speakers touched on key challenges such as balancing career ambitions, societal expectations, health issues, and the continuous fight for equality.

The conversations emphasized the power of women working together to overcome obstacles and create a more inclusive society. Attendees left with renewed inspiration, eager to contribute to the ongoing efforts for women's empowerment.

For those who missed the live event, stay tuned for full coverage on NewsX’s platform and social media channels. Follow the conversation with #WeWomenWant2024 and join the movement for women’s empowerment.