Women are architects, not mere witnesses of change, says Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini

Haryana’s chief minister, Nayab Singh Saini, took the stage at the closing ceremony of the two‑day “She Is a Change‑Maker” programme and delivered a message that felt part‑anthem, part‑conversation. He told the gathering of women MLAs and Legislative Council members from twenty states and two Union territories that they are not just watching history unfold – they are actually shaping it.

“Women representatives are the architects of change, not mere witnesses,” Saini declared, his voice echoing across the historic grounds of Surajkund, Faridabad. The phrase, simple yet powerful, set the tone for the rest of his remarks, which wove together admiration, history, and a clear call to action.

He thanked Vijaya K. Rahatkar, chairperson of the National Commission for Women, and her team for pulling together a workshop that covered everything from legislative procedures and policy‑making to leadership, communication and innovation. “Your effort to boost the legislative know‑how and leadership capacity of women lawmakers is commendable,” the chief minister added.

Speaking about the venue, Saini reminded the audience that Haryana is more than just a state; it is the land where Lord Krishna imparted the timeless lessons of karma, knowledge and duty at Kurukshetra. “Having women legislators from across India converge here feels like a vibrant confluence of our democratic diversity and our shared resolve to build the nation,” he said.

Over the past two days, participants exchanged ideas, showcased successful innovations from their home states and discussed how good practices can travel across borders. “Learning from each other strengthens good governance everywhere,” Saini observed, emphasizing that effective policy knows no state lines.

The chief minister also reflected on the role of a legislator. He argued that the Assembly is not merely a law‑making arena but a platform where the voice of the people must be transformed into concrete policy. “An MLA’s worth isn’t measured by how often they speak, but by how deeply they understand issues, how rigorously they study facts, and how practical their solutions are,” he asserted.

When a woman MLA steps into that chamber, Saini noted, she carries a weightier spectrum of responsibilities. “Her words echo the hopes of a mother, the dreams of a daughter, and the struggles of countless women,” he said, underscoring the broader social impact of women’s participation.

He highlighted the tangible benefits that women’s leadership brings to governance: greater sensitivity in policies, more inclusive decision‑making, and a stronger sense of justice. Citing Haryana’s own Panchayati Raj system, where women enjoy 50 % representation, Saini illustrated how a woman sarpanch’s presence doesn’t just add one voice—it amplifies the voices of thousands of village women.

“Development cannot be complete without the effective participation of half the population,” he affirmed. “Wherever women lead, transparency, accountability and empathy thrive.” The chief minister’s closing remarks left the audience with a clear message: empowering women in politics isn’t just a feel‑good slogan; it’s the very foundation of a resilient, responsive democracy.