Everyone should have access to opportunities, leadership roles: Sailaja

Chairperson of Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission Dr. Rayapati Sailaja on Wednesday said an equitable future is one where every individual, regardless of gender, has access to opportunities, resources and leadership roles.

She was speaking at the annual leadership conclave of CII Indian Women Network (IWN) AP Chapter here on Wednesday on the theme “Shaping an Equitable Future – Leadership with Balance.”

The event attracted leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to deliberate on strategies for promoting inclusive leadership, gender equity, and resilient workplaces, in alignment with India’s vision for its centenary in 2047. A fireside chat on leadership through different lenses featured Koneru Humpy, Padma Shri recipient and chess grandmaster and Anvesh Dasari, Vice President, Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd,. The session was moderated by Dr. Usha Pantula, Vice Chairwoman, IWN AP and Consultant, Corporate Life Skills & PoSH.

In her address, Sailaja underscored the State’s dedication to women’s empowerment and said, “AP stands at the forefront of fostering gender equity and women’s empowerment, a mission that aligns closely with the goals of this conclave. An equitable future is one where every individual, regardless of gender, has access to opportunities, resources, and leadership roles. This is not just an aspiration but a necessity for India@100—a nation that is resilient, inclusive, and people-centred,”

Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh and CEO & Managing Director, Fluentgrid Ltd,Murali Krishna Gannamani highlighted the economic advantages of equity. “From an industry standpoint, balanced leadership is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. It’s about integrating strategic foresight with inclusive practices, ensuring that progress benefits every stakeholder. He mentioned, a 2024 BCG study revealed that organizations with diverse leadership teams are 19% more likely to innovate effectively, underscoring the competitive advantage of equity.

Chairwoman, IWN Andhra Pradesh and COO & Co-Founder, AVERA Chandini Chandana welcomed the participants. She stated, the conclave is a dynamic 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. She spoke on how leadership with balance transforms organizations. She opined, prioritizing diversity and inclusion—through initiatives like mentorship programs and flexible work policies, not only enhance team morale but also sparks innovation.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, NTR District KGV Saritha addressed on leadership in public service. Deputy Chairperson, IWN Southern Region and Associate Vice President, Orkla India, Sivapriya Balagopal presented the theme address, emphasizing the critical role of balanced leadership. She said, “Balanced leadership is not just a concept—it’s a necessity. It’s about merging strategic clarity with inclusivity, ensuring that progress benefits every individual, not just a select few.