Port Blair, Dec. 21: In pursuance to the directions of Ministry of Women and Child Development, GoI, the One Stop Centre (OSC), South Andaman organized an awareness program ‘Nayi Chetna 2.0’ a community led campaign against Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment at Workplace Prevention Week program at various places viz. ‘Sakhi Niwas’, Phongy Chaung and Dollygunj (Working Women Hostels), Community Hall of Pathergudda, Child Care Institution, Seva Niketan, Dairy Farm and Nirmala Sr. Sec School, Prem Nagar.
The program was conducted as part of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Prevention Week from Dec. 12 to 18, 2023. The main objective of the program was to uphold Women Fundamental Rights to equality as granted under Article 14, 15 of the Indian Constitution, Right to live with dignity under Article 21, Right to carry on any occupation, which includes Right to a safe working environment and free from sexual harassment.
During the campaign, Smti Santhi Murugesan, Central Administrator, One Stop Centre briefed the gathering about Mission Shakti Scheme of GoI. She informed that the UT Administration is implementing One Stop Centre Scheme, which provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence during distress both in private and public spaces. The One Stop Centres are functioning under one roof to facilitate immediate, emergency, non-emergency services access to a range of services including medical, legal, minimum 5 days temporary shelter, police assistance, psychological and counselling support to fight any forms of violence against women.
Followed by campaign, provisions relating to Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013 which intent to protect women at workplace were also explained. During the program, the team of One Stop Centre presented a street play on the topic ‘Domestic Violence and the services of One Stop Centre’. The objective of the street play was those who have been marginalized by society and to convey the message through the direct and effective means of dramaturgy. The street play focuses more on brining change in the society.
Smti D. Radhika, Ward Counsellor, Ward No.23 graced the occasion as the chief guest stated that women affected by violence may avail maximum benefit of OSC to sort out the disputes among families. Shri Anish Badaik, Para Legal Personnel/Lawyer, One Stop Centre emphasized on Rights of Women, Right to Free Legal Aid, Right Against Domestic Violence, Right not to be arrest at night.
A quiz competition was conducted on the occasion to create more awareness among the participants.