NAYAGARH: (Report- Ramakrushna Rath): In a significant move toward gender equality, a block-level legal awareness program for women was successfully held today at the Nayagarh Panchayat Samiti conference hall. The event focused on educating women about their legal rights and the various paths toward empowerment in modern society. 
Empowering Women: Nayagarh Hosts Major Legal Awareness and Rights Program


High-Profile Dignitaries Join the Cause

The program saw participation from several prominent leaders and administrative officials. Urmila Mahapatra, Chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Women, attended as the Chief Guest. She was joined by Madhumita Rath, the District Collector and District Magistrate of Nayagarh, who emphasized the administration's commitment to women's safety.
Other notable attendees included:
  • Pushpa Lata Patra, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO).
  • Manasi Padhi, Social Activist and former CWC member, who served as the primary resource person.
  • Soumya Ranjan Dash, District Coordinator for Women Empowerment, who managed the stage proceedings.
  • Soudamini Panda, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) for Nayagarh Block.
  • Sanju Lata Panigrahi, Program Officer.

Educating Women on Vital Laws

During the session, experts discussed the legal framework designed to protect women. Resource person Manasi Padhi provided a detailed overview of several essential laws. She simplified complex legal jargon to ensure every participant understood how to seek justice. The discussion highlighted:
  • The Domestic Violence Act (2005): Protecting women from abuse within the home.
  • The Dowry Prohibition Act (1961): Addressing the illegal practice of dowry.
  • Prohibition of Child Marriage Act: Ensuring the health and future of young girls.
  • POSH Act: Preventing sexual harassment at the workplace to ensure a safe professional environment.

Community Participation

The hall was packed with a diverse group of grassroots workers and community leaders. ICDS Supervisors, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), and members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) attended the session. Furthermore, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Community Resource Persons (CRP), Master Book Keepers (MBK), and ASHA workers participated actively.
The speakers urged these community leaders to spread this legal knowledge to every household in the district. The event concluded with a shared belief that legal literacy is the first step toward true independence for women.