FTCCI to Host International Conference on Women Empowerment, Inclusive Growth and Leadership

Hyderabad, September 8, 2026: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) is organising a full day, International Conference on “Women Empowerment – Driving Inclusive Growth and Leadership” on September 10 at Cyber Gardens, Hitec City, Hyderabad, from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.
 The conference, supported by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, will bring together policymakers, women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, industry leaders, investors, academicians and global experts to deliberate on strategies for advancing women’s leadership and participation in economic growth.
The conference is being organised with the support and partnership of several organisations, including WE-Hub, T-Hub, ALEAP, COWE, SERP, SIDBI, Apollo Pharmacy, Apollo 24/7 and other institutional partners.
FTCCI leadership comprising Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Vice President; K K Maheshwari, President; and Srinivas Garimella, Senior Vice President, will be associated with the conference.
 The conference comes at a time when women-led enterprises, technology, entrepreneurship and inclusive workplaces are emerging as important drivers of India’s economic transformation. The discussions will focus on creating stronger ecosystems for women entrepreneurs, expanding access to markets and finance, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening global partnerships and building future-ready women leaders.
The conference features an impressive line-up of 15 eminent speakers from India and abroad, representing government, industry, entrepreneurship, technology, finance, development and social impact.
Among the prominent speakers are Shikha Goel, Principal Secretary to Government & Director, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau; Divya Devarajan, Chief Executive Officer, Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP); Angela Heinsenn, Founder & CEO, Lawfirm Kanzlei an der Luehe, Germany; Hossam Hawas, Regional Director – Middle East, East Africa & Asia, Sahara Group UK; and Nvard Chalikyan, Associate Partner, Asteron Partners Private Equity Company, Armenia.
Other distinguished speakers include Sinda Hamdi, CEO, SaaQ Realtors, COO, Private Office of Sheikh Ahmed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, UAE; Jyothi Reddy D, Founder, Key Software Solutions Inc., USA; Uma Devi Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Limited; Rama Devi Kanneganti, Founder & President, ALEAP; Kalpana Rao, President, COWE; Sita Pallacholla, CEO, WE-Hub; Priyanka Rayala, Senior Director – International Programs & Partnerships, T-Hub Foundation; Sattu Savitha, Director and Scientist-E, Bureau of Indian Standards, Government of India; Prerana Nayak, General Manager, Microsoft AI; and Sushma G D, Director, Telangana Food Processing Society (TGFPS).
The conference will explore how women’s empowerment can move beyond participation towards leadership, enterprise creation, innovation, investment and decision-making.
The conference will focus on key areas shaping the future of women’s economic empowerment, including women-led entrepreneurship and MSME growth; access to finance, markets and investment; digital transformation and emerging technologies; women’s participation in leadership and decision-making; building inclusive workplaces and supportive ecosystems; promoting rural women and grassroots entrepreneurship; fostering global partnerships and international opportunities; developing future-ready skills and resilience; and leveraging technology as a powerful enabler of women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
The conference also seeks to create meaningful connections between women entrepreneurs, industry, government and international stakeholders, while showcasing opportunities for collaboration and cross-border partnerships.
Dr. Tasneem Shariff, Chair, Women Empowerment Committee, FTCCI, is leading the conference initiative. Speaking on the significance of the programme, Dr. Tasneem Shariff said that empowering women is no longer only a social imperative but an essential economic strategy. “When women have access to opportunity, capital, technology, markets and leadership platforms, the impact extends far beyond individual businesses. It strengthens families, communities, enterprises and the economy as a whole. This conference is designed to create conversations that translate into meaningful collaborations and action,” she said.