In terms of women’s representation, India fares better than the U.S. in both the number of women leaders and the nature of positions held, said Dr. Vinusha Reddy, BJP’s spokesperson from Andhra Pradesh, and the sole Indian delegate for the 2025 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
Dr Reddy was in the United States on the invitation of the US Embassy, reflected on her IVLP takeaways, pointing out a few striking contrasts between India and the United States when it comes to women’s political participation. She said, “While India has had a female Prime Minister, President and several women Chief Ministers, the US has “never elected a female President” despite women making up 51% of its voter base.”
To that end, she noted that India, too, can draw lessons from the US on law and order. “The U.S. uses advanced technology and has specialized structures such as women protection cells and counseling centers,” she said, adding
The theme of the foundational exchange program this year is ‘Women in Politics and Civil Society’. During her three-week US tour in August 2025 as part of the IVLP, Dr. Reddy also met Hazel Livingston — the first female Mayor of Lexington, South Carolina, as well as Debra Altschiller, Senator of New Hampshire State for District 24; Ruth Ward, Senator of New Hampshire State for District 8; Katy Peternel, Republican member of New Hampshire House of Representatives and Mary Jane Wallner, Democratic member of New Hampshire House of Representatives.
Dr. Vinusha Reddy said, “India leads in women’s visibility at the top, the US excels in grassroots governance and institutional safeguards. Both nations can strengthen each other by sharing these models.” “My most significant insight (from the program) was seeing how democratic systems, while imperfect, address their unique historic and societal challenges through open dialogue and consensus-building. The U.S. embodies a culture of honest historical reflection within its institutions, which fosters informed citizenship.”
Dr Reddy had previously highlighted the unstoppable rise of Naari Shakti in reshaping India’s political, economic, and social fabric in India. Importing lessons from the US democratic system and civic-centered administration can pave an easier road ahead for India’s political system as well.
On ideas that inspired her during the visit, Dr Reddy said, “This program inspired me to initiate dialogue about honest retelling and teaching of history in India, similar to what I observed in American education, museums, and civic spaces. I plan to engage with think tanks, policymakers, and educators in India to promote accurate and open discussion of historical events in curricula and public spaces, aiming to help address longstanding social challenges and build an informed society.”
The exchange also underscored the admiration many American leaders hold for India’s culture and people.
“Enjoyed meeting with public servants from all over the world this morning at the Capitol. We discussed many things, including redistricting. The world’s largest democracy, India, is currently Redistricting for the first time in nearly 20 yrs. Imagine Redistricting for a population of 1 billion!”, Utah Representative Cheryl K Acton shared her views on X.
Ms. Allison Terracio, Council member of Richland County, District 5 shared her personal bond with India, saying, “I love India. I can’t wait to go back. We are going on a pilgrimage next summer… I first discovered yoga at a gym in New York City, and hearing the chants drew me to explore its origins. During my visit, I even met Ayyappa pilgrims.” opens up in a video interaction.
Mayor Hazel Livingston of Lexington, South Carolina, spoke about the growing Indian community in her city, remarking, “In my neighborhood alone, probably 50% of the homes are people from India. We even changed our noise ordinance to allow fireworks for Diwali.” updated Dr. Vinusha Reddy during a discussion.
The IVLP, established in 1940, is a foundational exchange program designed by the US to introduce emerging global leaders to their American counterparts and to US society and culture. Distinguished IVLP alumni in India include Narendra Modi (1993), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1960), Indira Gandhi (1961), and Morarji Desai (1962).
Being an emerging political juggernaut from south India, Dr Reddy’s participation in the program is complemented by other distinguished women leaders from across the globe. Some of them are: Myounghee Jang (Republic of Korea) City Councilor, Anyang City Council; Dina Awni Mohammad Al-Bashir (Jordan) – Lawyer & Member of Parliament (Lower House); Bea Celine De Guzman (Philippines) – City Councilor, City Government of San Juan, Metro Manila; Mariia Pysarenko (Ukraine) Advisor, Ministry for Strategic Initiatives; and Yen Ching Chang (Taiwan) – Director-General, Department of Administrative and International Affairs, Kaohsiung City Government.
Accompanied by international leaders from all continents, Dr. Reddy’s itinerary included visiting Washington, D.C., Boston, Massachusetts, Manchester and Concord, New Hampshire, Columbia, South Carolina (as part of Team D), and Salt Lake City, Utah. As part of the program it was designed to have meetings with US policymakers, women leaders, and civil society organizations to discuss initiatives promoting equal pay, fair treatment, and women’s leadership in political and civic spheres.
IVLP is a premier exchange initiative fostering global leadership that was held from August 9 – August 30, 2025.
