During the discussion session on “Empowering Voices of Sikkim,” Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Ms Rajkumari Thapa took the forum to thank the India Today Group and the Government of Sikkim for the opportunity to highlight the role of women in the state. She emphasised that the active participation of women in politics across all levels from the grassroot level to the cabinet level is a reflection of the progressive vision of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang. Citing the example of Secretary of the Information & Public Relations Department, Mrs Annapurna Alley, she noted that nearly 50% of key government departments in Sikkim are led by women. She also highlighted that in the past five years, 56% of entrepreneurs in the state are women, spanning across start-ups and entrepreneurship. This, she said, demonstrates both the potential of women and the enabling environment created by the government through support and encouragement. Responding to the moderator’s question on why, despite visible progress, many schemes are still focused on women, she explained that this is part of the Chief Minister’s broader vision. The goal, she said, is not only to empower women but to unlock their full potential moving from a focus on “Nari Morcha” to a more holistic concept of “Nari Shakti.” This shift aims at inclusive development, with women at the forefront of social welfare initiatives. She also highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana (SASY), the Bahini Scheme, the AMMA Scheme, and the Vatsalya Scheme, stating that these are examples of the government’s long-term commitment to securing a future led by empowered women. In conclusion, she reiterated that women in Sikkim are gaining empowerment not only through these state-led initiatives but also through the widespread support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which are playing a pivotal role in community development and economic self-reliance.