The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched a new initiative titled ‘SHAKTI Scholars: NCW Young Research Fellowship’ to encourage young researchers to study challenges faced by women in India and propose policy-driven solutions.
The fellowship aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and contribute to meaningful social change for women across the country.
The programme has been designed to support fresh and innovative research ideas that focus on women-centric issues and help bridge gaps between research, policy formulation, and implementation.
By engaging young scholars, the commission seeks to bring new perspectives to long-standing and emerging challenges affecting women’s safety, rights, and participation in society.
The fellowship will support research across a wide range of themes. These include women’s safety and dignity, gender-based violence, access to legal rights and justice, cybersecurity concerns, and effective implementation of the POSH framework in workplaces.
Other focus areas include women’s leadership and political participation, health and nutrition, education and skill development, economic empowerment, women’s participation in the labour force, socio-cultural traditions, and work-life balance.
WHO CAN APPLY
Eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Indian citizens aged 21 to 30 years
- Must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution
- Preference will be given to candidates pursuing or holding postgraduate or higher research degrees
- Independent researchers with significant research experience are also eligible
The NCW has clarified that the fellowship is open to individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, provided their research proposal focusses on women-related issues.
FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS
Selected fellows will receive the following support:
- A grant of Rs 1 lakh for a six-month research period
- The amount will be disbursed in instalments, linked to research progress
- Opportunity to contribute directly to policy-oriented research at the national level
The fellowship aims to not only provide financial assistance but also offer recognition and visibility to young researchers working on women’s issues.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must follow these steps:
- Submit the application via email to the National Commission for Women
- Ensure the application reaches the commission by 5:30 pm on December 31
- Applications will be evaluated by an expert committee
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview
In addition to launching the fellowship, the NCW recently introduced a 24×7 helpline number, 14490, to provide immediate support to women in distress.
The commission has urged citizens, social organisations, and educational institutions to spread awareness about this service, reinforcing its commitment to women’s safety and empowerment.
