Stree Summit, 2.0, successfully concluded on April 15, 2025, drawing leading voices in government officials, law enforcement, and industry experts. With a theme of Accelerate Action for Women Empowerment," the eminent Speakers deliberated for the common good of every citizen. The sessions were well planned with the panelists who are not only subject matter experts but also citizens who are continuously working for the betterment of the communities, they are also influencers of good life and betterment of individuals.
Inaugural Highlights:The summit began with an impactful inaugural ceremony, where Shri C. Shekar Reddy, General Secretary of the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), welcomed the Chief Guest, Shri Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Gov. of Telangana and gave an overview of the six HCSC verticals and their respective activities. He invited the corporates to become HCSC members. Shri C. V. Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, and Chairman of HCSC, in his theme address, mentioned that STREE stands for She Triumphs Through Respect Equality and Empowerment. He highlighted that the girl child ratio 942-1000 is alarming and will adversely impact Nation’s growth. The discretion against women should end at home as well as work places. He mentioned about Free Bus ride scheme for women has increased women participation in various events across the state He informed that more women are joining the police force and there are 7 women police stations in 7 zones and out of 19 DCP’s 8 are Women. Women officer are part of patrol, blue colt, traffic police and 3 SHO’s are women officers. His concluded with a call to Empower Women to increase the State’s and Nation’s GDP.
The Chief Guest, Shri Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Gov. of Telangana, started is address by stating that Stree Summit is not a forum for conversation, but a commitment to idea to Respect & Equality and Empowerment for all. He highlighted that it was Dr. Bala Saheb Ambedkar who gave enormous power to women through Hindu Court Bill. highlighted the State government’s initiatives for women and girls span financial aid, safety, entrepreneurship, health, and representation. He stated that a safe, equal and empowered society is not a a dream but a destination we all should walk towards together. Telangana government is empowering the SHG by providing them financial aid of Rs. 21000 crores apart from creating market for their products and services. The government has encouraged the women to get into Solar power generation with a buy back guarantee. He stated the State Government has a target of making more than one crore women crorepatis. The State of Telangana is fully committed to empowerment of Women.
In her keynote address, Dr Banusri Velpandian, Senior Specialist, Governance & Research, Law Division – NITI Aayog spoke about the initiatives of NITI Aayog towards Women Empowerment in various sectors on its own or with other ministries.
To cover a larger section of population and also ensure that every enterprise and community is covered, HCSC is collaborating with Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, Telangana Government and signed an MoU on creating awareness on the women and children related laws and implementation of such laws.
Panel Discussions and Key Takeaways:
The summit featured four in-depth panel discussions addressing pivotal topics on Women’s safety and health.
The first panel, titled “Breaking Barriers: The Evolving Journey of Women in Leadership – was moderated by Ms. Khyati Naravane - VP – Business Strategy - Quantra Quartz by POKARNA.
Experts Ms.Vanita Datla – MD ELICO industries, Ms.Namita Banka – MD Banka Bioloo, Ms.Jennifer Larson, US Consulate General, Smt. Divya Devarajan, IAS, CEO - SERP Telangana shared from their experiences about the different dimensions of Growth & Success and each individual’s journey is very unique.
Dr. Lavanya NJP , DCP –Woman Safety Wing, Hyderabad. Convenor Women Safety Wing gave a presentation on CSEAM - Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) - Community Policing – Policy, Enforcement and Legal ambit.
In the second panel, “Clicks to Consequences: Addiction & Exploitation in the Digital Moderated by Ms. Uma Sudhir , Executive Editor, NDTV. Experts Ms.Sunitha Krishnan – Founder, Prajwala NGO & Padma Sri Awardee, Ms. Parimala Hana Nutan IPS Joint CP, Admin & Co-ordination, Hyderabad, Dr. Purnima Nagaraja – Psychiatrist, Mr. Rakesh Dubbudu – Founder FACTLY, delved into the growing concerns surrounding digital addiction and its impact on individuals and society. Recognizing the mental health, strained relationship, misinformation, behavioural dependencies and exploitation.
In the third panel. -POSH Act: A Decade of Learning & Case Reporting Moderated by Ms. Purnima Kamble – Partner Fox Mandal, experts Smt. A. Nirmala Kanthi Wesley, IAS – Director, WCD&SC, Telangana, Dr. Charu Walikhanna, former member of the National Commission for Women (NCW) , Dr. Lavanya NJP – DCP, Women Safety Wing, Hyderabad, Convenor – HCSC Women forum, Mr. Chaitanya Gorrepati – MD, DE Shaw, Ms. Geeta Goti – Partner, Sariga Initiatives deliberated on the completion of a decade of The Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013, the learnings on implementation and need to amend and include additional sections for efficient implementation.
The fourth panel, Gut Health and Emotional Wellbeing - Elements of Holistic health, nutrition, maternal care, emotional wellbeing etc. will be covered was moderated by Ms. Chetana Jain, CEO, Dhrumataru Consultants. Subject matter experts Dr. Samatha Tulla - Medical Director & Co-founder at PMX Health, Ms. Sridevi Jasti - Founder & CEO, Vibrant Living, Holistic Nutritionist, Wellness Advocate, Dr. Chetan Majjiga – Psychiatrist ADHD, Dr. Vijay Kumar C Bada - Sr. Gastroenterologist, Yashoda Hospital spoke about the importance of maintaining sound health in women cannot be overlooked. This session highlighted the sensitive phases of women that is generally seen with misconceptions and often stereotyped leading to neglect and abuse. Ex. Post-partum imbalance, menopause, cancer, need for self-care etc.
The fifth panel Towards Accelerating Action Key Take aways from each Panel was moderated by Ms. Neeharika Malpur. All the session moderators and eminent panelists, Ms. Uma Sudhir, Ms. Chetana Jain, Ms. Purnima Kamble, Ms. Khyati Naravane, Ms. Geeta Goti, Dr. Charu Walikhanna
This session focussed on the outcomes and actionable items going forward.
Closing Ceremony:
The summit concluded with a closing ceremony recognizing the significant contributions of partners, speakers, and participants. Certificates were awarded to key contributors, and Smt Geeta Goti, Joint Secretary, Women’s Forum, HCSC delivered final remarks, calling for continued collaboration for Rights, Equality and Empowerment for all Girls and Women in building a secure future.
About HCSC:
The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) is a not-for-profit society that brings together the Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate, various establishments, government agencies, and citizens to promote safety and security in the city. HCSC actively works towards enhancing safety in various domains, including women's safety, traffic safety, infrastructure security, and cybersecurity. Through collaborations and partnerships, HCSC strives to create awareness, implement effective strategies, and drive positive change in ensuring a secure environment for all.
