Initiative launched to empower women in local body elections

In an effort to democratise political knowledge and deepen political consciousness of women, The Penn Collective (TPC), a non-governmental organisation, is organising political training and mentorship for women.

The initiative, Thenkoodu, aims to mentor 100 women and transwomen, aspiring to contest in the 2026 local body elections. “Through a phased, community-rooted programme that includes immersive training, network-building, digital civic education, mentorship, and campaign support, we aim to build and strengthen a cadre of grassroots women leaders,” said Poorani, founder of TPC, addressing mediapersons in the city on Monday.

In the six-month programme supported by the Harvard Kennedy School, the participants will first attend a five-day immersive training that will build their political skills, from understanding democratic structures to designing campaign strategies. “Firstly, they will be taught about a sense of self, governance, election application process, campaigning, budgeting, among others. There will also be field immersions, and campaign specific mentorship,” she added.

The pilot programme is open to women across political parties as well as independent candidates. The participants will generate digital content, build local visibility, and increase their civic footprint and hence, also form strong community leadership. “Women constitute over 50% of voters, hold 50% seats in the local office. Yet we constitute only 5% of the State legislature and 13.6% of the Parliament. Thenkoodu also seeks to democratise political knowledge and skills. It will form a community of women who can voice issues even if they don’t win,” she added.

Applications are accepted until March-end and the programme will begin after the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Women can register through WhatsApp or call 9629020856 or message on social media platforms @thepenncollective.