Mission Shakti initiative raises awareness on women’s rights & legislation

PULWAMA: To commemorate International Women’s Week, the Department of Health and Social Welfare (DHEW) in Pulwama, under Mission Shakti, conducted a comprehensive sensitization program at the Meeting Hall of NRLM Pulwama on Wednesday. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and educate Self-Help Group (SHG) members, cluster coordinators, and mobilizers about various pertinent issues related to women’s rights and legislations.
The program covered a wide range of topics, including the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001), Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplaces, PCPNDT Act, POCSO Act, Prohibition of Dowry Demand Act, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005). Ms. Mansha Ahad, the District Mission Coordinator of DHEW, emphasized the significance of such events, highlighting the pivotal role women can play in ensuring their safety and well-being. She also shed light on government initiatives, the role of Mission Shakti in women’s empowerment, and related issues, as per officials who spoke to Kashmir Reader.
Legal experts, Advocate Waseem Ahmad and Advocate Bashir Ahmad from DLSA Pulwama, delivered speeches elucidating women’s rights and constitutional laws pertaining to their safety and security. Ms. Mehrusa Farooq, Gender Specialist at DHEW, provided insights into the PCPNDT Act, while Hansu Nisa from the Special Cell for Women discussed the POSH Act. Ms. Nelofer, another Gender Specialist from DHEW, enlightened participants about the National Policy for Women 2001 and National Policy for Women 2016.
Furthermore, the District Programme Manager of NRLM briefed attendees about the organization’s role in addressing challenges faced by women in both private and public spheres. Specialist in Financial Literacy, Amir Hussain, shed light on religious perspectives regarding women’s rights and their status in society.
The program saw participation from approximately 100 SHG members, as well as staff from DHEW Pulwama, Special Cell for Women Pulwama, and District Legal Services Authority Pulwama. The event served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and collective efforts towards promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Pulwama district.

BILAL HABIB