Empowerment in Action: Stree Summit 2.0 Concludes with a Powerful Call to Accelerate Change for Women
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad, April 15, 202. In a vibrant display of commitment, collaboration, and community, Stree Summit 2.0 concluded on a high note at Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, on April 15, 2025. With this year’s compelling theme – “Accelerate Action for Women Empowerment”, aligning with the global spirit of International Women’s Day 2025, the summit gathered luminaries from government, law enforcement, civil society, corporate sectors, and media under one roof to deliberate on sustainable and inclusive strategies for empowering women.
Organized by the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), the summit served not just as a conversation starter but a strategic platform to define actionable pathways for women’s safety, equality, leadership, and holistic wellbeing.
Inauguration that Set the Tone for Transformation
The summit was inaugurated by Mr.Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, who passionately emphasized that Stree Summit is not a forum—it is a pledge. Quoting the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he reiterated that the empowerment of women must be woven into the very fabric of governance, law, economy, and society.
Mr. C. Shekar Reddy, General Secretary, HCSC, welcomed dignitaries and highlighted the council’s six verticals while inviting corporates to join hands in the collective mission of safety and empowerment.
In a powerful theme address, Mr. C.V. Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, and Chairman, HCSC, outlined pressing issues such as the declining girl-child ratio (942:1000) and underlined the need for systemic change at both household and institutional levels. “Empowering women is not a social luxury—it is an economic necessity. When women rise, the GDP rises,” he asserted. He also spotlighted Telangana’s initiatives, such as the Free Bus Ride Scheme, rising numbers of women in the police force, and dedicated women police stations across zones.
Panel Discussions: Insightful Dialogues, Impactful Takeaways
The summit hosted five dynamic panel discussions that addressed a spectrum of contemporary challenges and aspirations faced by women.
1. Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership
Moderated by Ms. Khyati Naravane, this panel brought together trailblazers like Ms. Vanita Datla, Ms. Namita Banka, Ms. Jennifer Larson (US Consulate General), and Mrs. Divya Devarajan, IAS. Each shared personal journeys of resilience and growth, emphasizing that the leadership path is unique, yet universally impactful.
2. Clicks to Consequences: Digital Addiction & Exploitation
Anchored by Ms. Uma Sudhir (NDTV), this session spotlighted online safety and mental health. Noted voices including Ms. Sunitha Krishnan (Prajwala), Ms. Parimala Hana Nutan IPS, Dr. Purnima Nagaraja, and Mr. Rakesh Dubbudu dissected the deepening effects of digital dependency, misinformation, and cyber exploitation, urging for robust digital literacy frameworks.
3. POSH Act: A Decade of Change
Moderated by Ms. Purnima Kamble, this reflective discussion evaluated 10 years of the POSH Act. Panelists including Dr. Charu Walikhanna, Mrs. Nirmala Wesley, IAS, Dr. Lavanya NJP, Mr. Chaitanya Gorrepati, and Ms. Geeta Goti advocated for amendments to make the act more inclusive and responsive to evolving workplace challenges.
4. Gut Health & Emotional Wellbeing: A Holistic Approach
Moderated by Ms. Chetana Jain, this health-focused panel drove home the critical link between physical and emotional health in women. Experts such as Dr. Samatha Tulla, Ms. Sridevi Jasti, Dr. Vijay Kumar C Bada, and Dr. Chetan Majjiga discussed taboo topics like menopause, postpartum struggles, and self-care with honesty and empathy.
5. Towards Accelerating Action
Bringing the summit to a full circle, this concluding session curated by Ms. Neeharika Malpur synthesized insights from all the panels. Contributors reemphasized the importance of continuity, collective responsibility, and clarity in policy implementation to fast-track real impact.
Strategic Collaborations and Recognitions
One of the landmark moments of the summit was the MoU signed between HCSC and the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, Telangana, focusing on legal awareness and community sensitization about laws protecting women and children.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded during the closing ceremony, acknowledging the dedication of speakers, volunteers, and partners. Mrs. Geeta Goti, Joint Secretary, HCSC Women’s Forum, closed the summit with a heartfelt call for unified efforts to uphold the rights, dignity, and dreams of women and girls across Telangana and India.
About HCSC
The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) is a collaborative initiative between Hyderabad City Police and the community, aimed at making Hyderabad a safer and more inclusive city. It operates through focused verticals including women’s safety, cybersecurity, traffic management, and infrastructure security, working closely with citizens, corporates, and civic agencies to build a secure and empowered society.
A Resounding Message
Stree Summit 2.0 was not just an event—it was a movement in motion. With commitments made, challenges addressed, and solutions ideated, the summit served as a clarion call to accelerate the action, amplify the voice, and anchor the future in equality, safety, and respect for every woman.