May 8th 2024.
In Bhubaneswar, the state government has taken on a crucial campaign to protect girls from potential sexual assault by relatives during their summer vacation. According to a senior official, the initiative began last week and concluded on Monday, covering about 5,800 hostels and reaching out to over 2.5 lakh girls. As most of these girls have now left for their homes, the campaign was timed perfectly to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe.
The official shared that the drive was necessary after noticing a disturbing trend of girls falling victim to sexual abuse by close family members during the summer break, leading to teenage pregnancies. This often happens when parents are away from home for work, leaving their daughters vulnerable and alone. It is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, and the campaign aimed to educate girls on how to remain vigilant and protect themselves.
The campaign was conducted by the ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department in the hostels under their care. Not only did they educate girls about the difference between 'good touch' and 'bad touch', but they also launched the 'Mo Parikalpana' initiative. This program aims to inform parents about how they can safeguard their daughters when they are home alone, while also providing a platform for them to address any concerns they may have. As Roopa Roshan Sahoo, the department's secretary, explained, this initiative acts as a listening window to gather ground-level feedback and take necessary action to improve policies.
Furthermore, the department has instructed the sexual harassment committees in the hostels to remain vigilant and thoroughly investigate any complaints of sexual abuse. They are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the hostel residents. In fact, the department had previously trained hostel matrons and assistant superintendents to conduct counseling sessions on critical issues like sexual harassment, child marriage, and teenage pregnancies. As Sahoo shared, the matrons are also trained to monitor the girls' mental health and provide counseling over the phone.
Although the summer vacation officially began on April 25, most hostel boarders left for their homes on Tuesday due to an improvement in the weather. The schools are expected to reopen in the second week of June. This campaign has undoubtedly been a significant step towards protecting the young girls of the state and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe from sexual abuse.
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