Leading as HER: Decoding Power in India | Sarvapriya Sangwan | TEDxITM Gwalior

Women in India are redefining leadership, challenging gender stereotypes and reshaping what power means. In this TEDxITM Gwalior talk, Sarvapriya Sangwan examines women's empowerment, gender equality, representation and influence in contemporary India. The talk asks whether women must adapt to existing power structures or whether their leadership can transform those structures themselves.

• How culture, opportunity and identity shape women's access to power
• Moving beyond symbolic representation to equal opportunity and meaningful participation
• Inclusive leadership and the potential to transform power structures

In a society where tradition meets transformation, women are redefining leadership, challenging gender stereotypes, and reshaping the meaning of power. From navigating societal expectations and breaking barriers to claiming their identity and influencing decisions, their journeys reveal that leadership is not merely about authority or position—it is also about courage, conviction, resilience, and the ability to create meaningful change. Leading as HER — Decoding Power in India explores the evolving landscape of women’s empowerment, gender equality, representation, and influence in contemporary India. It examines how culture, opportunity, identity, and social structures shape women’s access to power, while questioning the conventional definitions of success and leadership. The talk invites us to look beyond symbolic representation towards equal opportunities, meaningful participation, inclusive leadership, and lasting social transformation. At its heart, this talk challenges us to rethink whether women must adapt to existing power structures or whether their leadership can transform those structures themselves. Since empowering women is not simply about giving them a seat at the table—it is about recognizing their voice, respecting their choices, valuing their leadership, and creating a society where they can lead authentically and on their own terms. Sarvapriya Sangwan is an award-winning journalist, editor, and a fearless voice in contemporary Indian media. Having transitioned from a background in dentistry to the forefront of broadcast journalism, she has spent over a decade championing value-driven storytelling and journalistic integrity. A former anchor and producer at NDTV India, she currently serves as Head of Videos for Indian Languages at BBC News. Through powerful documentary series such as The Last Man, she has consistently brought underreported stories and critical issues into the public spotlight. She has been honoured with the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award and the Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx