Port Blair, Feb 16: The Women Helpline 181 under the Directorate of Social Welfare organized a Webinar on ‘Women Empowerment and Gender Equality’ and ‘Women and Child Development Control Room’.

Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (SW), emphasised on guaranteeing the rights of women and giving them opportunities to reach their full potential is critical not only for attaining gender equality, but also for meeting a wide range of international development goals. He also highlighted that empowered women and girls contribute to the health and productivity of their families, communities, and countries, creating a ripple effect. The programme was attended by PBMC Ward Councillor, representative of PRIs, general public, AWWs, ASHA Worker, SHGs and staff of Women Help Line and Child Helpline.

Smti Komal Anand, President, Pankh NGO, highlighted on how women empowerment is a critical aspect of achieving gender equality and it includes increasing a woman's sense of self-worth, decision-making power, access to opportunities and resources, power and control over her own life inside and outside the home, parenting skills, relationship between mother and daughters and the ability to effect change and importance of women education.

Women Helpline Administrator, Smti Sushma Pandey, briefed about the Women and Child Development 24x7 Control Room established at Social Welfare Board, VIP Road, Junglighat viz. Toll Free Number 181 for Women and 1098 for Children.  Women Helpline 181 under Mission Shakti scheme intends to provide toll free 24×7 immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence through referral linking with appropriate authority such as police, One Stop Centre, hospital and provide information about women related Government schemes/programs across the country through a single uniform number.