Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 21: The National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Directorate of RD, PRIs & ULBs, A&N Administration, successfully organized a one-day Capacity Building programme on “She is a Change Maker” for Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) today in the Conference Hall of DBRAIT, Sri Vijaya Puram. This programme aimed at empowering Elected Women Representatives by strengthening their leadership capabilities, enhancing communication skills, and equipping them with knowledge about women-centric laws and welfare schemes. The initiative marks an important step toward fostering gender-inclusive governance in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
In her keynote address, Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, Hon’ble Chairperson, NCW, emphasized that strengthening women’s rights is fundamental to building an empowered society. She underscored the need for digital literacy among Elected Women Representatives to effectively use technology for governance, service delivery, and transparency. She encouraged participants to stay informed about women-centric laws and legal rights to protect and advocate for the rights of women in their communities.
Highlighting the importance of effective communication, Hon’ble Chairperson, NCW urged women leaders to engage with clarity, confidence, and empathy. She also elaborated on the role of NCW and its various initiatives designed to support and empower women across the country. Motivating the participants to envision broader horizons, she encouraged them to aspire for higher leadership positions, from Panchayat to Parliament, thereby becoming strong, proactive change makers and role models for future generations.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the chief guest, Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, Hon’ble Chairperson, National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi, followed by the Vande Mataram song presented by the students of Tagore College. The chief guest and other dignitaries then lit the ceremonial lamp, after which the chief guest was felicitated. A welcome song presented by the students added grace to the inaugural proceedings.
Addressing the gathering, the Director (RD/P) highlighted the importance of empowering women leaders at the grassroots level and expressed gratitude to the National Commission for Women for its support in organizing this significant programme aimed at enhancing the leadership abilities and capacity of EWRs in the Islands.
During the inaugural session, a training module titled “Laws for Gender Equality and the Role of Panchayats in Upholding Rights of Women and Girls” was officially released by the Hon’ble Chairperson, NCW.
The vote of thanks for the inaugural session was proposed by Smt. Champa Das, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Prothrapur, followed by the National Anthem.
The afternoon saw a series of enriching technical sessions conducted by experts from JNRM College, SOVTECH, the Social Welfare Department, and Andaman Law College. Dr. Ajitha Narendran, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, JNRM College, led the first session on promoting women’s participation in decision-making and strengthening leadership qualities. Ms. Nazima Parveen, Project Manager, SOVTECH, conducted a session on effective communication and the use of modern technologies for scheme implementation. Dr. Nitu Sindhu, State Mission Coordinator, Social Welfare Department, shared detailed insights on women’s welfare schemes, social initiatives, and their efficient execution. The final session by Ms. Aurghya Mandal, Assistant Professor (Law), Andaman Law College, focused on key legal provisions safeguarding women’s rights.
Participants also engaged in an Experience Sharing Session, which provided a meaningful platform for mutual learning, dialogue, and reflection on their field experiences.