Stree Summit 2.0 ends with renewed call to empower women across Telangana
Hyderabad: The second edition of Stree Summit concluded at Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, with a strong call to accelerate action for women’s empowerment. Organized by the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), the summit brought together voices from government, law enforcement, industry, and civil society to discuss challenges and solutions in promoting gender equality and safety.
The summit’s theme, Accelerate Action for Women Empowerment, echoed the focus of International Women’s Day 2025.
C. Shekar Reddy, General Secretary of HCSC, opened the event by welcoming the Chief Guest, Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana. He also outlined the activities of HCSC’s six verticals and invited corporate entities to partner with the council.
C.V. Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, and Chairman of HCSC, highlighted that STREE stands for She Triumphs Through Respect, Equality and Empowerment. He expressed concern over the declining girl child ratio of 942 per 1000 and urged an end to discrimination against women at both home and workplace.
Highlighting the state’s initiatives, he pointed to increased female representation in the police force, including 7 women police stations, 3 women SHOs, and 8 women DCPs out of 19. He also noted the impact of the free bus ride scheme for women in improving public participation.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu described the summit as a platform of commitment, not just conversation. Citing the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar through the Hindu Code Bill, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to women’s safety, financial aid, entrepreneurship, health, and representation. He shared that Telangana has disbursed ₹21,000 crores to self-help groups (SHGs) and is supporting women’s entry into solar energy generation through buyback guarantees. The government, he said, aims to help over one crore women become financially independent.
Dr. Banusri Velpandian from NITI Aayog delivered the keynote address, highlighting various initiatives undertaken by the think tank, either independently or in collaboration with ministries, for women’s empowerment.
HCSC also signed an MoU with the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, Telangana, to raise awareness about women- and child-related laws.
Panel Discussions and Highlights:
The summit featured five panel discussions on key issues:
1. Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership
Moderated by Khyati Naravane (VP, Business Strategy – Quantra Quartz by Pokarna), the session featured leaders such as Vanita Datla (MD, ELICO Industries), Namita Banka (MD, Banka Bioloo), Jennifer Larson (US Consul General), and Divya Devarajan (IAS, CEO – SERP Telangana). Panelists shared their individual experiences in leadership and growth.
2. Clicks to Consequences: Digital Addiction and Exploitation
Moderated by Uma Sudhir (Executive Editor, NDTV), this panel discussed the rise in digital addiction and its psychological and social impacts. Speakers included Sunitha Krishnan (Founder, Prajwala), Parimala Hana Nutan (IPS, Joint CP), Dr. Purnima Nagaraja (Psychiatrist), and Rakesh Dubbudu (Founder, Factly).
3. POSH Act: A Decade of Learning
A discussion on the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. Moderated by Purnima Kamble (Partner, Fox Mandal), it included insights from A. Nirmala Kanthi Wesley (IAS), Dr. Charu Walikhanna (former NCW member), Dr. Lavanya NJP (DCP, Women Safety Wing), Chaitanya Gorrepati (MD, DE Shaw), and Geeta Goti (Partner, Sariga Initiatives). Panelists emphasized the need for updates to the Act for better enforcement.
4. Gut Health and Emotional Wellbeing
Moderated by Chetana Jain (CEO, Dhrumataru Consultants), this panel addressed women’s health and emotional well-being, especially in sensitive phases such as postpartum, menopause, and chronic illness. Experts included Dr. Samatha Tulla (PMX Health), Sridevi Jasti (Holistic Nutritionist), Dr. Chetan Majjiga (Psychiatrist), and Dr. Vijay Kumar C. Bada (Sr. Gastroenterologist, Yashoda Hospital).
5. Accelerating Action: Key Takeaways
Moderated by Neeharika Malpur, this concluding session brought together moderators and panelists from earlier sessions to summarize actionable insights and next steps.
The summit ended with a ceremony honoring contributors, partners, and speakers. Certificates were awarded to key participants. Geeta Goti, Joint Secretary of HCSC Women’s Forum, delivered closing remarks, urging continued collective efforts for gender equality and empowerment.
About HCSC:
The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) is a not-for-profit organization that works with the Hyderabad City Police, government agencies, and citizens to promote safety in areas including women’s security, traffic, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Through partnerships and awareness initiatives, HCSC aims to foster a safer environment for all.
