Officials, advocates enlighten students on women’s rights, legislation

PAMPORE: On the occasion of International Women’s Week, the Department of Higher Education and Welfare (DHEW), in collaboration with Mission Shakti and the Department of Social Welfare, organized a comprehensive Sanitization programme at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Pulwama on Monday.
The aim of the programme was to raise awareness and educate students and staff on various programmes and legislations concerning women’s rights, including the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, 2001, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Protection, and Redressal) Act 2013, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act 2012, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, officials told Kashmir Reader.
District Mission Coordinator, Mansha, sensitized students about the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women and highlighted the initiatives taken by the government, such as the establishment of Mission Shakti in every district, focusing on women’s empowerment and related issues. She emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities for girls to become independent women and called for a change in societal mindsets through increased awareness programmes.
Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Arshid Ahmad Naik, shed light on the various issues and types of harassment faced by children, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the POCSO Act. Central Administrator, Nasreena, discussed the role of OSC (One Stop Centre) and elaborated on the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act. Social Worker, Ms. Hansu Nisa, from the Special Cell for Women, sensitized students about sexual harassment in the workplace, officials told Kashmir Reader.
The programme was well-attended by officials including the Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, the District Mission Coordinator (DHEW) Pulwama, along with staff members, the Central Administrator OSC, Social Workers from the Special Cell for Women Pulwama, and Advocates from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Pulwama.
The event served as a crucial platform for educating and empowering individuals to uphold the rights and safety of women and children in society.

BILAL HABIB