Summary
The symposium opened with a formal inauguration that set the tone for forward-looking
deliberations. The symposium started with the opening remarks by Dr. Partha Sarothi Rakshit,
Director, Vignan Institute of Law who welcomed the gathering and highlighted that our mandate
is to move beyond mere recognition to active, enforced justice, dismantling the systemic barriers,
and impunity that perpetuate violence and inequality in both digital and physical spheres against
women. Finally, he concluded his remarks by stating that through meaningful deliberations we cancreate meaningful change and build a future where the rights of women and girls are upheld and
celebrated.
After the opening remarks, Prof. K. Kalpana, Dean School of Law & Management, VFSTR
delivered her valuable address on the gender equality and also she presented some statistics along
with the on campus ratio of boys and girl students of VFSTR and the female students on the campus
is approximately 50 percent in majority of the departments. While this near-equal ratio represents
a major shift toward gender parity on campuses, it often masks deep-seated disparities in the
society.
Dr. Rayapati Sailaja, Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Womens Commission, delivered the
keynote address. In her address, she emphasized that the empowerment of women is a fundamental
requirement for building a strong, progressive, and inclusive society. She pointed out that womens
empowerment is not merely a social goal but also a constitutional commitment that ensures
equality, dignity, and justice for all. She encouraged young students, especially those studying law,
to understand the legal frameworks designed to protect women and to act as responsible citizens
who can help promote awareness and social change. Dr. Sailaja highlighted the growing
importance of legal awareness in enabling women to assert their rights. She stated that many
women continue to face discrimination, violence, and social barriers due to lack of awareness
about the legal remedies available to them. By equipping individuals with knowledge about these
legal protections, society can empower women to challenge injustice and seek rightful support
through institutional mechanisms
Dr. A. Sharada, Dean, International Student Affairs, VFSTR in her address defined empowerment
through the lens of personal strength and preparedness. Beyond understanding legal rights, she
urges women to acquire practical self-defense skills, such as martial arts. She highlighted the role
of law students as social guides who should promote respectful attitudes within their homes and
classrooms. Through dialogue and responsible advocacy, they can influence societal mindsets
from the ground up. She stated that empowerment is a collective responsibility that must include
men as active partners. She encouraged students to lead community outreach and pro bono
initiatives, particularly for women in rural areas. Finally, she emphasized that leadership and
representation are vital for systemic change. Increasing the number of women in governance,
corporate roles, and the legal system ensures their voices shape the policies that govern them.
Dr. Usharani, Chairperson of the IC (Internal Committee), and Chairperson of Women
Empowerment and Development Cell, VFSTR commended the symposiums timing, noting its
relevance as the institution prepares for International Womens Day. She highlighted the
universitys internal mechanisms designed to protect students and staff, specifically mentioning
the restructuring of the Internal Committee (formerly the ICC) and the active role of the Women
Empowerment and Development Cell (WEDC) in maintaining a safe, dignified campus. She
mentioned that the university prioritizes preventive education through structured mentoring. She
explained that students receive guidance on institutional protocols during their first year andtransition into professional conduct training in their final years. This proactive approach, coupled with a transparent grievance mechanism that holds everyone accountable regardless of status, has resulted in a consistently safe environment with minimal complaints. She shared that in 2023 the
institution organized a major initiative which resulted in a Guinness World Record related to breast
cancer and cervical cancer awareness. She stated that beyond the campus, the university has
achieved significant milestones in public health and social responsibility. Looking toward the
future, the institution has launched the Digital Kids initiative to bridge the technological divide.
By training university students to provide digital literacy education to local school children, the
university reinforces its commitment to community development. She concluded her address by
reaffirming the institutions dedication to creating a continuous chain of opportunity and support
from schools to rural villages.
About Seminar
The Vignan Institute of Law (VIL), a constituent part of Vignans Foundation for Science,
Technology & Research (VFSTR), conducted a symposium on Rights, Justice and Action
for All Women and Girls on 06th March 2026 at Saregama Seminar Hall, N Block, VFSTR.
The symposium was conducted with the objective of creating awareness about womens rights,
strengthening legal literacy among students, and encouraging proactive participation in the
promotion of gender equality. The symposium was organized so as to make it a meaningful
platform for students, faculty members, and legal experts to deliberate on contemporary challenges
faced by women and the role of legal institutions in ensuring justice and protection.
The Programme was graced by Andhra Pradesh Womens Commission Chairperson Dr. Rayapati
Sailaja alongside institutional leadership including Dr. Partha Sarothi Rakshit, Director, Vignan
Institute of Law, VFSTR, Prof. K. Kalpana, Dean School of Law & Management, VFSTR, Prof.
A. Sharada, Dean, International Student Affairs, VFSTR, Prof. N. Usha Rani, Chairperson of the
IC (Internal Committee), and Chairperson of Women Empowerment and Development Cell,
VFSTR.
A significant part of the symposium focused on detailed deliberations regarding womens rights,
legal safeguards, and the responsibilities of institutions in ensuring gender justice. The discussions
began with the importance of legal literacy as a tool for empowerment. Speakers highlighted that
legal awareness among women and youth is essential for the effective implementation of laws
intended to protect women’s rights. Participants discussed how educational institutions, especially law schools, play a vital role in spreading awareness through legal aid camps, workshops, and
community outreach programs. Students were encouraged to actively engage in such initiatives
and contribute to building a legally informed society. Another important area of discussion was
digital safety and cyber security for women. With the increasing use of digital platforms for
communication, education, and professional engagement, cyber harassment has emerged as a
serious concern. The speakers emphasized the need for women to be aware of online threats such
as cyber stalking, identity theft, online abuse, and privacy violations. The deliberations also
highlighted the role of legal provisions and cyber laws in addressing such issues, while stressing
the importance of responsible digital behavior and prompt reporting of cybercrimes.
The symposium also included extensive discussions on safe and inclusive workplaces. Participants
deliberated on the significance of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, which
provides a legal framework to address workplace harassment and ensure safe working
environments. It was emphasized that organizations and institutions must establish Internal
Complaints Committees (ICC) and ensure proper implementation of the provisions of the Act.
Creating a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability within workplaces was identified as
an essential step toward ensuring dignity and equality for women.
Another key topic discussed was access to justice and support mechanisms for women facing
violence or discrimination. Dr. Sailaja elaborated on the concept of Zero FIR, explaining that it
enables victims to register a complaint at any police station regardless of jurisdiction, thereby
ensuring immediate legal assistance. This provision was highlighted as an important step toward
removing procedural barriers that often discourage victims from reporting crimes. The discussion
also focused on toll free number 181 and the role of One-Stop Help Centers, which provide
integrated support services to women who have experienced violence. These centers offer medical
assistance, legal aid, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter, ensuring that victims
receive comprehensive support under a single roof. Participants acknowledged the importance of
such initiatives in strengthening institutional support systems and ensuring timely assistance for
affected women.
In addition to legal protections, the deliberations also emphasized the importance of leadership
opportunities and active participation of women in decision-making processes. Speakers
encouraged young women to pursue leadership roles in law, governance, and public service.
Empowering women through education and leadership opportunities was identified as a key factor
in promoting gender equality and inclusive development. The discussions further highlighted the
responsibility of educational institutions in promoting a culture of gender sensitivity. Faculty
members and students collectively acknowledged that awareness programs, seminars, and training
sessions play an important role in shaping attitudes and promoting respect for womens rights.
The symposium witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members. The
interactive nature of the discussions provided the students to gain deeper insights into the
challenges and legal dimensions related to women’s empowerment. The symposium provided a
valuable learning opportunity for aspiring legal professionals to understand the practical aspects
of implementing laws that protect women. The symposium concluded with a collective
commitment from participants to promote dignity, equality, and opportunities for women in all
spheres of society. The symposium successfully highlighted the importance of awareness,
education, and active participation in building a safer and more inclusive environment for women
and girls. Through initiatives like this symposium, the Vignan Institute of Law, VFSTR continues
to demonstrate its commitment to legal education, social responsibility, and the promotion of
gender justice. This symposium served as an inspiring reminder that empowering women is not
only a matter of justice but also a crucial step toward strengthening society as a whole.
