“An equitable future is one where every individual, regardless of gender, has access to opportunities, resources, and leadership roles,” says A.P. State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja.
Speaking at the annual leadership conclave of CII Indian Women Network (IWN), Andhra Pradesh chapter, held in Vijayawada on Wednesday on the theme, ‘Shaping an Equitable Future – Leadership with Balance’, Ms. Sailaja underscored the State’s dedication to women’s empowerment.
“Andhra Pradesh is in the forefront in fostering gender equity and women’s empowerment, a mission that aligns closely with the goals of this conclave,” she said.
The event witnessed representatives from government, industry, academia and civil society deliberating on strategies for promoting inclusive leadership, gender equity, and resilient workplaces in alignment with India’s vision for its centenary in 2047.
Chairwoman, IWN-Andhra Pradesh and COO and co-founder, AVERAMs, Chandini Chandana, said the conclave was a platform to celebrate and cultivate a new paradigm of leadership, one that harmonises performance with empathy, structure with flexibility, and authority with influence.
Chairperson, IWN Southern Region, and CEO, Rane Madras Ltd., Gowri Kailasam, spoke on how IWN created an impact and empowered women through mentorship and opportunities since its inception in 2013.
Stating that leadership with balance transformed organisations, she called for prioritising diversity and inclusion through initiatives like mentorship programmes and flexible work policies.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, NTR Police Commissionerate, K.G.V. Saritha, spoke about leadership in public service.
Deputy Chairperson, IWN Southern Region, and Associate Vice-President, Orkla India, Sivapriya Balagopal, said balanced leadership “is not just a concept, it’s a necessity, to ensure that progress benefits every individual, not just a select few.”
Mr. Murali Krishna Gannamani, Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh, said from an industry standpoint, balanced leadership was the cornerstone of sustainable growth.
Vice Chairwoman, IWN Andhra Pradesh, Usha Pantula, moderated a fireside chat on ‘Leadership through different lenses’, participated by chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy and vice-president, Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd, Anvesh Dasari.
Ms. Humpy said, “In a world where technologies evolve fast, leadership means fostering collaboration across screens, sectors, and generations, ensuring innovation is inclusive and adaptive.”
Director, Indlas Hospital, Dr. Vishal Indla, led a knowledge session on ‘Building Mental Resilience for Effective Leadership’.
Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer Mivi Midhula Devabhaktuni, president of EaseMyTrip.com Preeti Satyanarayana, and creator of Magna Pads Vamsi Vanama spoke.
Published – August 21, 2025 08:31 am IST
