Bhubaneswar: The first Shakti Summit – State WCD Leadership Conclave, organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW), will begin Tuesday with a focus on strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and institutional mechanisms for women’s safety and empowerment.
The three-day summit will bring together principal secretaries, commissioners and senior officials from the Women and Child Development (W&CD) departments of 25 states, besides other key stakeholders.
The conclave will provide a platform for states to share their experiences, identify gaps in implementation and strengthen Centre-state coordination on issues related to women’s safety, protection and empowerment.
Key areas of discussion will include effective implementation and monitoring of the POSH Act, strengthening One Stop Centres and victim compensation mechanisms, enhancing the role of Protection Officers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and empowering State Commissions for Women.
The summit will also facilitate the exchange of best practices adopted by different states and seek to strengthen institutional responses through greater coordination and convergence.
As part of its collaboration with the state government, the NCW has undertaken a dedicated self-defence training initiative under Mission Shakti.
Over the past six months, around 5,000 women have been trained in self-defence across Khordha, Kataka, Kendujhar, Balangir and Puri districts.
Of them, 300 women belonging to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will participate in the ‘Shakti Show – Parade for Self Defence’ to be held at KIIT September 2.
The event will showcase the skills, confidence and preparedness acquired by women through the self-defence training programme.
