Bhubaneswar, swa news : The 33rd Foundation Day of the Odisha State Commission for Women was celebrated at the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, reaffirming the State’s commitment to strengthening women’s rights and empowerment.
The programme was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Smt. Pravati Parida. Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Mukesh Mahaling, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Electronics & Information Technology; Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education; and Smt. Shobhona Mohanty, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women.
On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister released the Commission’s Annual Report, the newsletter “Bijayini,” the publication “Passport to Women Empowerment,” the newly launched official website of the Commission, and a compilation titled “Punarmilan,” featuring stories of successful reconciliation of couples. Individuals who have achieved distinction in various fields were felicitated.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that the State Government believes not merely in women’s development but in “women-led development.” She reiterated the Government’s resolve to eliminate violence, crime, and gender-based discrimination against women and to ensure timely justice. She appreciated the Commission’s initiative of replacing traditional bouquets with fruit baskets during the celebration, describing it as a creative and meaningful gesture.
Recalling her appeal to distribute fruits at Anganwadi Centres to combat malnutrition at the grassroots level, she underscored that proper nutrition is a shared responsibility. She commended the Commission’s dedicated efforts and encouraged women to move forward with confidence and self-reliance, assuring continued support through various empowerment initiatives.
Shri Mukesh Mahaling stated that the foundation of a healthy nation begins with a healthy state, which can be achieved by safeguarding the well-being of women. He highlighted key government initiatives such as the “Khushi” scheme, under which free sanitary napkins are provided to adolescent girls. Referring to the State’s deworming campaign, he informed that medicines are being distributed to children aged 1–19 years and women of reproductive age (20–24 years). He urged the members of the State Commission for Women to sustain their dedicated efforts in bringing positive social transformation.
Shri Sampad Chandra Swain highlighted the Government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing skill development among girls. He noted that through training at the World Skill Centre, girls from Odisha have demonstrated their capabilities at international platforms, bringing pride to the State. He called for collective efforts to build a healthy, safe, and empowered society.
Smt. Sovana Mohanty elaborated on the Commission’s achievements in addressing gender-based violence and crimes against women. She stated that cases relating to domestic violence, matrimonial disputes, dowry harassment and dowry deaths, suicides, and sexual harassment at personal and workplace levels are being addressed through a structured grievance redressal mechanism.
It is noteworthy that during the financial year 2024–25, the Commission resolved 1,879 cases through hearings, reflecting its sustained commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring justice. To make justice affordable and accessible at the doorstep of victims, district-level court camps have been organized in coordination with district administrations.
In 2024–25, district-level court camps were conducted in Bolangir and Gajapati districts, where 14 cases, seven in each district, were resolved.
The Commission has been organizing district-level awareness programmes to enhance legal literacy among women. Block-level programmes are being conducted to strengthen outreach, engaging working women, ICDS functionaries, ASHA and ANM workers, health personnel, teachers, lawyers, Panchayati Raj representatives, Self-Help Groups, students, civil society representatives, and members of voluntary organizations.
In 2024–25, 85 awareness programmes were organized across 26 districts. Officials of the Commission regularly visit correctional homes to interact with inmates and to ensure the safety and welfare of women inmates. In today’s programme, Members of the Odisha State Commission for Women , Smt. Pratibha Satpathy, Smt. Urmila Mahapatra, Smt. Kalpana Mallick, and Smt. Mukta Sahu , were present. Social workers from various districts, representatives of voluntary organizations, members of civil society, SHG women, and students pursuing studies in law participated in the event. The Foundation Day celebration reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to building a just, inclusive, and empowered society for women in Odisha.
+ There are no comments
Add yours