Female Forward 2025

From Dialogue to Leadership: The Female Forward Experience

To mark German Girls’ Day, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation South Asia hosted a study tour in New Delhi from April 23 to 25 as part of its ongoing Female Forward campaign. Building on the success of last year’s International Girls’ Day, this second edition brought together 16 young women from five South Asian countries – Germany, Austria, Tibet, Nepal and India  to explore leadership, democracy, and cross-cultural exchange.

The program opened with an intimate evening at the Austrian Embassy, where Deputy Ambassador Dr. Gisela Kristoferitsch welcomed us with warmth and candour. Over dinner, she shared her personal journey from navigating uncertainty in her career to becoming a diplomat, creating a space for honest conversation and reflection. For many of us, it was the first time speaking so openly with a woman leader in such a close setting.

The following day began with a panel discussion featuring women in leadership roles across sectors. Their stories of balancing personal ambitions and professional demands resonated deeply. Ms. Ajmeera, one of the panellists, asked a question: “Who wants to pursue a role in media?” I raised my hand and shared how important media is in telling stories and building narratives. I explained that it is these stories that shape how we live our everyday lives, and that’s why I want to pursue a career in media. She responded, “Right! That was my exact motivation to pursue a career in media. Later, during a networking session, we finally introduced ourselves to one another. A turning point that marked the beginning of what we hope will be lifelong friendships and collaborations.

Later, we visited Greenr Café, a quiet haven which was called a “Modern Day Ashram”. Its founder, who described herself as a housewife of the café, shared her vision of building a sustainable, community-driven space. Her grounded leadership reminded us that meaningful work doesn’t always come in big, loud packages. Sometimes, it’s quiet, steady, and deeply intentional.

The day continued with an inspiring conversation with elected women councillors working at the grassroots level. I had the privilege of moderating this session. Their stories, especially those from minority communities, sparked thoughtful questions and admiration from all of us. We ended the day in Lodhi Garden, pausing to reflect on the many conversations that had already left a mark.

On Day 2, we met Ms. Elena Gerasimova from the International Labour Organization, whose warmth made the session instantly engaging. Her question, “Do you know what ILO stands for?” kick-started a thoughtful dialogue on global labour rights and her own journey within the system. For many of us, it opened up new possibilities and perhaps even new dreams.

Our final day began with a long-awaited visit to India’s new Parliament building. We moved from the Lok Sabha to the Rajya Sabha in awe, but what left the deepest impression was our guide, a national level shooter whose resilience and grace stood out just as much as the architecture around us. We found ourselves guessing which political leaders sat where and learning in equal measure.

Lunch at Gujarat Bhawan followed, where we were introduced to the iconic Gujarati thali. Every dish came with a story, and it quickly became one of our favourite meals. We then visited UNESCO’s Delhi office for a conversation on biosphere reserves, climate change, and conservation challenges. It was an eye-opening session, full of questions, curiosity, and connection.

The program concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony. Dr. Carsten Klein, Regional Director of FNF South Asia, shared thoughtful advice on careers, confidence, and mentorship. “Don’t hesitate to reach out,” he said. “Ask questions. That’s how you grow.” His words lingered with us as we headed to Dilli Haat for a final cultural stop.

As we said our goodbyes, each girl shared one word to sum up the trip. The word that echoed most was “Memorable”

And it truly was.

The friendships we formed and the stories we gathered during Female Forward will continue to shape us not just as future leaders, but as present-day changemakers across South Asia.