S’garh police, UNICEF organise women’s safety awareness event

Rourkela: In an initiative to empower women and combat crimes against girls and women, the Sundargarh police, led by SP Pratyush Diwaker and supported by UNICEF, organised a sensitisation programme on Saturday.
The event focused on the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative and growing safety concerns for women in the region, attracting stakeholders such as senior police officials, schoolteachers, anganwadi workers, and youth representatives.
Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, collector and district magistrate of Sundargarh, stressed the importance of a collaborative approach to drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. "We must work closely with women and girls to understand their needs and ensure that they feel safe and empowered in our society," said Mahajan, underlining the need for community involvement.
SP Diwaker emphasised the importance of accountability in tackling crimes against women. "It is our duty to take decisive action against these crimes and enhance awareness programmes that educate the community about women's rights and safety," said Diwaker.
Additional superintendent of police (UT) Ananya Awasthi encouraged the community to see law enforcement as allies. "We want women and girls to feel comfortable approaching law enforcement. It is essential that they know they can come forward and register cases without fear," she stated, reinforcing trust in the police.
Umi Daniel, director of Aide-et-Action, said, "We must address the vulnerabilities that arise from migration and ensure our programmes support the safety and well-being of all women."
Dr Neha Singh, AE Consultant at UNICEF India, stressed the role of financial independence in women's empowerment. "Encouraging women to own savings accounts and invest in themselves is essential for their empowerment and agency," said Singh.
The programme also featured insights from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), represented by Reenati Mishra, district education officer Amulya Pradhan, district child protection officer Shreebanta Jena, and district social welfare officer Krishna Kumari Nanda, who shared ongoing programmes and services available to support women and children in the district.
Rourkela: In an initiative to empower women and combat crimes against girls and women, the Sundargarh police, led by SP Pratyush Diwaker and supported by UNICEF, organised a sensitisation programme on Saturday.
The event focused on the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative and growing safety concerns for women in the region, attracting stakeholders such as senior police officials, schoolteachers, anganwadi workers, and youth representatives.
Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, collector and district magistrate of Sundargarh, stressed the importance of a collaborative approach to drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. "We must work closely with women and girls to understand their needs and ensure that they feel safe and empowered in our society," said Mahajan, underlining the need for community involvement.
SP Diwaker emphasised the importance of accountability in tackling crimes against women. "It is our duty to take decisive action against these crimes and enhance awareness programmes that educate the community about women's rights and safety," said Diwaker.
Additional superintendent of police (UT) Ananya Awasthi encouraged the community to see law enforcement as allies. "We want women and girls to feel comfortable approaching law enforcement. It is essential that they know they can come forward and register cases without fear," she stated, reinforcing trust in the police.
Umi Daniel, director of Aide-et-Action, said, "We must address the vulnerabilities that arise from migration and ensure our programmes support the safety and well-being of all women."
Dr Neha Singh, AE Consultant at UNICEF India, stressed the role of financial independence in women's empowerment. "Encouraging women to own savings accounts and invest in themselves is essential for their empowerment and agency," said Singh.
The programme also featured insights from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), represented by Reenati Mishra, district education officer Amulya Pradhan, district child protection officer Shreebanta Jena, and district social welfare officer Krishna Kumari Nanda, who shared ongoing programmes and services available to support women and children in the district.