DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Jan 25
In a collaborative initiative between the Shrimati Shanti Gupta Centre for Women’s Studies and the NSS Unit at MIER College of Education, a workshop was conducted on the “Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act” for the NSS volunteers and members of the Gender Champions Club. The objective of the workshop was to disseminate crucial information about the POCSO Act, initiate discussions on prevention strategies, and empower students to play an active role in protecting children from potential harm.
Ms. Anjali Jain, member of Gender Champion Club, extended a warm welcome to the audience and Ms. NamanMansotra, another Gender Champion, introduced the resource person, Ms. Saniya Mahajan, who is serving as an Assistant Manager at The Rakshin Project (Sakshi, an NGO) with an MOU with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Ms. Mahajan commenced the workshop with an ice-breaking activity, creating a comfortable and open environment for participants. She highlighted the significance of the POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, as a legal framework aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation in India. The session covered the definition of child sexual abuse, its various forms, prevalence, signs, and indicators. Practical aspects were addressed through relevant videos and activities.
The workshop delved into the provisions of the POCSO Act, legal implications for offenders, reporting mechanisms, and responsibilities. Ms. Mahajan provided information on helplines, including the toll-free number 1098, and support organizations. An interactive Q&A session allowed students to clarify doubts and misconceptions.
As a token of appreciation and gratitude, Ms. Rupa Gupta, Joint Director, and Director of SSGCWS, presented a memento to Ms. Saniya Mahajan. Chairperson, Dr.Renu Gupta, and patron of the Women Centre commended the collaborative efforts of both centres in addressing such a pertinent topic. Prof. Adit Gupta, Principal of MIER College, emphasized the importance of understanding the key aspects of the POCSO Act and implementing preventive measures to safeguard the well-being of children.
The formal vote of thanks was presented by Ms. Arzoo Sharma and Unmesh Kant Shah, NSS volunteers, who effectively compered the event. Dr. Bharti Tandon, Deputy HoD, School of Education and Dr. Komal Sharma, Program Officer NSS Unit, supervised the workshop.
The workshop successfully achieved its objective of creating awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among students regarding child sexual abuse prevention.
