New Delhi: Kiran Bhadana, a 2017-batch IAS officer, recently assumed the role of Deputy Commissioner in Lahaul and Spiti, a remote tribal district in Himachal Pradesh. Her appointment completed a historic milestone: all seven top administrative and governance positions in the district are now held by women. Kangana Ranaut represents Mandi, which includes Lahaul and Spiti, as Member of Parliament; Anuradha Rana, the first woman MLA in 53 years, serves the constituency; Ilma Afroz heads the police force as Superintendent of Police; Shikha Simtia drives progress as Additional Deputy Commissioner; Akansha Sharma oversees Keylong as Sub-Divisional Magistrate; and Bina Devi, as Zila Parishad Chief, champions local priorities. This women-led administration, inspired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s vision for gender-equitable districts, is transforming governance in one of India’s most isolated regions. 

Kiran, fresh from her tenure in Bilaspur, has emphasized the importance of listening to the community’s needs, a sentiment echoed in recent X posts about her leadership. Anuradha Rana has spoken of empowering future generations, highlighting the broader impact of their work. Together, they are addressing critical issues: enhancing schools in remote villages, tackling water scarcity in a high-altitude desert, and strengthening safety measures for women and children. Bina Devi’s efforts with women’s self-help groups are boosting local economies, while Ilma Afroz’s community policing promotes trust. Their steady, collaborative approach shows that empathetic leadership can flourish even in Lahaul and Spiti’s harsh terrain.

The story is powerful, and inspiring, and led us to look for some other change makers across the length and breadth of India.

In Alwar, Rajasthan, sarpanch Kamlesh Devi heads a village panchayat that has revolutionized water access. Her largely female team has installed solar-powered pumps and launched training programs for girls, empowering them to envision new futures. The Hunger Project, active in Rajasthan through 2025, reports a 60% increase in water access in Kamlesh’s village compared to male-led councils, a figure backed by UN Women’s 2023 findings. Her leadership, celebrated on X, underscores the potential of women in governance.

In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Mayor Priya Rajan, in office since 2022 and still leading in 2025, is reshaping urban governance. With Deputy Mayor M. Kothainayaki and ward chair R. Sathya, Priya has prioritized safe public transport and women-led waste management cooperatives. A 2024 report in The Hindu praises her gender-responsive planning, which centers women’s needs in city development. Her ongoing work demonstrates how women’s leadership can make a sprawling metropolis feel more inclusive and connected.

In Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, Archana Mane leads the Manjari Sakhi Producer Company, a women-run Farmer Producer Organization. Alongside board members Sunita Patil and Rekha Shinde, she has empowered over 500 women farmers to grow drought-resistant crops and manage fair trade supply chains. The Ford Foundation, supporting the initiative through 2025, notes Archana’s role in fostering financial independence in a water-scarce region. Her practical approach to climate challenges has made the organization a lifeline for rural families.

In Odisha’s Koraput district, District Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, IAS, is advancing tribal welfare alongside Block Development Officer Sunita Behera and sarpanch Laxmi Majhi. Honored with the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in April 2025, Keerthi’s administration has increased girls’ school enrollment by 20% since 2023, per Orissa Post. Her focus on maternal health and education reflects a deep commitment to the community, showing how women leaders address overlooked needs.

Across India, women like Kiran, Kamlesh, Priya, Archana, and Keerthi are leading with care, building a brighter future for their communities. Their work reflects a growing trend: UN Women’s 2023 report shows women-led panchayats prioritise health and education, strengthening local bonds. While women hold 14% of Lok Sabha seats and 7% of ministerial roles as of 2023, the Women’s Reservation Bill, passed that year, will reserve 33% of seats for women by 2029, following the next delimitation. From Lahaul and Spiti’s schools to Chennai’s streets, these women are securing water, empowering voices, and proving leadership means serving those who need it most, inspiring an India where every dream can thrive.

BI Bureau