AP Women's Commission Chair Highlights State's Commitment to Women's Empowerment

By: WE staff | Thursday, 21 August 2025

• Chairperson, AP State Women's Commission, Dr Rayapati Sailaja, emphasized the commitment of the state towards the agenda of women empowerment under visionary leadership
• The event was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indian Women Network (IWN) Andhra Pradesh chapter

Dr. Rayapati Sailaja, Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission Chairperson discussed the agenda of empowering women under visionary leadership at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indian Women Network (IWN) Andhra Pradesh chapter's annual leadership conclave on Wednesday, "Shaping an Equitable Future—Leadership with Balance."

Dr. Rayapati reiterated that an equitable future is a future where everyone, regardless of their gender, has equal opportunities, resources, and positions of leadership. She reiterated this vision is very relevant for India@100 - a nation building that is resilient, inclusive, and people focused.

The conclave convened the heads of various industries to exchange strategies on inclusive leadership and gender equality.

Chandini Chandana, IWN Andhra Pradesh Chairwoman, termed the conclave as a platform to create a new paradigm for leadership that merges performance with empathy and authority with influence.

Deputy Commissioner of Police KGV Saritha spoke on leadership in public service, and Gowri Kailasam, Chairperson of IWN Southern Region, addressed how IWN has enabled women empowerment through mentorship since 2013.

She asserted that equal leadership, in addition to policies such as mentorship and flexible working conditions, enhances morale and ignites innovation.

IWN Southern Region Deputy Chairperson Sivapriya Balagopal reiterated the importance of being inclusive and noted that leadership should ensure benefits of development trickle down to all and not only the privileged few.

CII-AP Chairman Murali Krishna Gannamani pointed to the economic importance of equity, quoting a 2024 report by BCG that found companies with diverse top teams were 19 percent more likely to innovate.

The event included a fireside chat on "Leadership Through Different Lenses" with chess Grandmaster and Padma Shri awardee Koneru Humpy and Efftronics Systems Vice-President Anvesh Dasari.

Leadership was defined by Humpy as inspiring and guiding other people with the same strategic vision she employs in playing chess, while Anvesh pointed out collaboration across sectors and generations as needed in today's world that is constantly changing.

A knowledge session by Dr. Vishal Indla, Director, Indlas Hospital, on "Building Mental Resilience for Effective Leadership." The conclave concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Usha Pantula, Vice-Chair, IWN-AP, in which she called for redoubled efforts to bring about inclusive leadership.

The event reaffirmed IWN's mission of empowering women through advocacy, education, and development of skills and preparing them to lead the charge in shaping India's future.