Hyderabad, Sep 20 (Representative) Telangana Panchayat Raj and Women and Child Welfare Minister, Dr Dansari Anasuya Seethakka, emphasised the pivotal role of women in society, stating that “women are the creators of society.” Speaking at the 10th Edition of the Annual Leadership Conclave 2024, organised by CII Indian Women Networking (IWN), Telangana, held at Tech Mahindra Learning World, Madhapur, here on Friday, Seethakka highlighted the enduring challenges faced by women, noting, “There is still a mentality of looking down on women, which is why women continue to be left behind.” She acknowledged that while women are excelling in many fields, societal attitudes often lag behind. She encouraged women to discard any feelings of inferiority and recognise their potential. Reflecting on her own journey, Seethakka shared, “I worked hard without depending on anyone. I have been elected as an MLA three times and served as a Minister.”
She spoke of the immense responsibility placed on her, especially as an Adivasi woman, overseeing a significant portfolio like Panchayat Raj, which serves 13,000 Gramme Panchayats and two crore people. “I accepted this responsibility and worked hard,” she said. Seethakka stressed the importance of workplace safety for women, stating, “If women are not safe in the workplace, where else can they be safe?” She urged women to speak up immediately if they face any issues and assured them that the government would take action to address their concerns. “Harassment of women in the workplace will not be tolerated,” she warned. The Minister also advocated for the expansion of businesses beyond urban areas, stating, “Entrepreneurs should not be limited to cities. Only when rural entrepreneurs grow will we reduce gaps in society. Development should be decentralised.” She called for the establishment of industries in rural areas, noting that this would lead to more employment opportunities and reduce unemployment, particularly in young India.
Seethakka praised the state government’s efforts in promoting women’s safety and empowerment, pointing to initiatives like the T-Safe app, which ensures the safety of women while travelling and at work. “T-Safe is a model for other states,” she said. She emphasised the importance of providing equal opportunities to women and supporting those from marginalised backgrounds to ensure that all women can thrive. Seethakka urged women to stand firm in the face of challenges and to support each other in the journey toward development. “Our government is dedicated to women’s safety and empowerment. We always encourage women entrepreneurs. Together, we will develop Telangana,” she said.