State's progress linked to women empowerment, safety, says HM

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita has reiterated the State Government's commitment for women empowerment.

She was speaking at a special session conducted by FICCI FLO here on “Women’s Safety and Empowerment.”

During her address, the Minister highlighted the government’s efforts for advancing women’s safety, social equality, and empowerment through opportunity, awareness, and technology.

Anita said that the real progress of the State lies in the empowerment and protection of its women. She commended the achievements of women entrepreneurs and professionals who, through determination and perseverance, have become role models for others.

“Your success is your own — it is built on your willpower, effort, and persistence. No one else deserves the credit,” she remarked, encouraging women to take pride in their journeys.

Speaking about the government’s initiatives, the Home Minister highlighted key safety measures such as the installation of CCTV cameras across the State, the introduction of drone surveillance on public roads, and the expansion of Shakti Teams — specialised units with women officers

ensuring rapid response to emergencies. She urged all women to download and utilise the Shakti App, which provides immediate assistance to women in distress. “Within 10 minutes of an SOS alert, our teams reach your location. The app is an essential tool for women’s safety, especially for those travelling late at night,” she noted.

Reflecting on her personal journey from a teacher to a political leader Anita spoke about the challenges she faced while entering politics.

“It was not an easy path. There were many moments of humiliation, but I used them as

motivation to work harder,” she shared. Encouraging women to pursue leadership roles with confidence, she credited perseverance and self-belief as her greatest strengths.

She also discussed the “P4” model — Public-Private-People Partnership, an initiative introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. She appealed to industrialists and organisations to adopt families by providing education or employment opportunities rather than direct financial aid, thereby creating a sustainable model of community development.

Anitha reminded all that women’s empowerment is not limited to financial success but encompasses the creation of a

safe, equitable, and supportive society. “Empowerment begins with awareness, equality starts at home, and safety is our shared responsibility,” she said.

The event hosted in Visakhapatnam, was attended by entrepreneurs, professionals, and members of the FICCI FLO Vijayawada Chapter, and was chaired Amrita Kumar, Chairperson of FICCI FLO Vijayawada.

Chairperson FICCI FLO Vijayawada Amruta Kumar and the Minister later felicitated municipal corporation workers.

Amrita Kumar stated that that FICCI FLO Vijayawada has been actively organising events and this was a small gesture to recognise the municipal workers who tirelessly have been contributing to the cleanliness of the city.