Keeping the philosophical part aside (already covered in detail here), the word 'Shakti' many a times reminds us of sheer power like what we see in wrestlers, heavy-weight lifters etc. One would wonder why Sanatana Dharma associate Women to this principle while this attribute appears to be more masculine in nature ? Let's look into some popular scriptures to find a clue. Those familiar with Ramayana and Mahabharat epics can recall sufferings of Sita and Draupadi. Many often attribute it to their submissive nature which may appear, at surface, to arise due to their weaker strengths. After-all, we don't see women warriors in either of these Epic wars.
Ramayana
Considering the gamut of Ramayana, even for an eye trained in current age's rational thinking, one would ask: is Sita really such weak that she couldn't defend herself from Ravana while being abducted ? Isn't it the same Sita who in her childhood moved the mighty Shiva's bow with a slight nudge (while playing) which the Ravana and many other Kings couldn't move with all their might put together during her marriage ceremony ? She also rejected Hanuman's offer to transport her comfortably back to Sri Rama without need of any war when he saw her plight in Ashoka garden. It's this Sita who stayed alone with her twin sons in forest and nurtured them with values and skills worthy of being Lord Rama's successor one day.
Mahabharata
Anger of Draupadi consumed whole of Kuru dynasty, which includes the greats like Bhishma and Dronacharya, and restored Pandavas back to throne. Instead of staying back with her 5 sons in palace, she choose to be with her husbands to share the perils of forest life.
Queen Gandhari, known for her dedication to blind husband king, brought down whole of Yadhava dynasty protected by none other than Sri Krishna and Balaram through her curse.
How they attain Strength ?
None of these Women touched a weapon nor did penance like Rishis or the heroes of these epics. Yet their presence was enough to spark domino effect resulting in restoration of righteousness and balance in World. There's an uncanny semblance of their nature to that of Lord Sri Krishna who could've ended Kurukshetra war in one moment with his Sudarshana chakra weapon if he so desired. He instead exhibited patience and without touching any weapon, he steered the war so that each King get to realize fallacies of his life before sun-setting their mortal frames.
Forbearance and Patience are the key characteristics
Forbearance and Patience are the key characteristics in Women that harbor Shakti in them. When good Discrimination adds into this mix, irrespective of gender it becomes an indomitable force that can create wonders. Just look at any Dam/reservoir walls. Its tough to gauge their inner strength and see how much they're holding back, until one opens their gates. Hydro-power generated thus can power cities for days together. May be this is why we address Earth as Mother and Ocean (Wind, Fire etc too) as Father in Sanatan Dharma. While the former is the source bearing us all quietly, latter is dynamic in nature and often more visible.
