Web Based Seminar on Safety and Security of Women and Girls Organized by One Stop Center, Directorate of Social Welfare

Port Blair, Jun 07: One Stop Centre (OSC) under the Directorate of Social Welfare organized an online awareness session on the safety and security of women and girls.
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welfare), stressed the importance of raising awareness on women’s safety and security. He stated that less dependence on men helps women make informed decisions and makes them less vulnerable to all sorts of family violence. He further emphasized that women’s safety involves self-worth, safe homes recognize their rights, provide proper respect, and empower women. During his address, He also informed the online audience that these rights include the right to live free from violence and discrimination, to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, to be educated, to own property, to vote, and to earn an equal wage.
Mrs. Santhi Murugesan, Central Administrator, One Stop Centre (OSC), addressed the online audience on various legislation enacted by the Government of India, such as the Criminal Law Amendment Act 2013, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005.
Mrs. Nadira Begum, Psycho-Social Counselor, One Stop Centre (OSC), stressed that the safety and security of women and girls are fundamental aspects of human rights and critical indicators of social development. She noted that women and girls face various forms of violence, including domestic abuse and sexual assault.
The session concluded with Mrs. Janagi Savuriamma, Case Worker, One Stop Centre (OSC), briefing the audience on the objectives of the One Stop Centre scheme, which provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence during distress, both in private and public spaces. One Stop Centre facilitates a range of services, including medical and legal assistance, a minimum of five days of temporary shelter, police assistance, and psychological counseling support, all under one roof near Ayush Hospital, Junglighat.