Convener News Desk
Bandipora, Jan 24: National Girl Child Day was celebrated on Friday at Child Care Institution (CCI) Palaash, Bandipora, with a programme aimed at promoting awareness about the rights, protection and empowerment of the girl child.
The event was organised by SANKALP–Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW), Mission Shakti, Department of Social Welfare, in collaboration with CCI Palaash, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Protection Officer Institutional Care (POIC) and Pareesha. Officials, staff members and children of the institution participated actively in the programme.
The programme focused on sensitising children about their rights, available welfare schemes and institutional support systems, while also emphasising the importance of education, protection and equal opportunities for girls. Addressing the gathering, Dr Atiqullah, Protection Officer at CCI Palaash, underlined the need to nurture, protect and empower girl children, stating that a supportive environment plays a crucial role in their overall development.
Ms Tabinda, Member of the Child Welfare Committee, spoke about child rights and legal safeguards, stressing the responsibility of institutions in ensuring a safe and enabling atmosphere for children in need of care and protection. She highlighted the role of statutory mechanisms in addressing issues related to child welfare and protection.
Gender Specialist DHEW, Ms Sumaiya Muzafer, spoke on gender equality and self-confidence, highlighting various government initiatives and opportunities available for girls under Mission Shakti and other welfare schemes. She encouraged girls to believe in their potential and aspire for a dignified and independent future. Financial Literacy Specialist DHEW, Ms Najmu Saqib, sensitised the participants about the importance of financial literacy, savings habits and economic independence from an early age.
Children of CCI Palaash also shared their thoughts and experiences during the programme, making the interaction more engaging and meaningful. An interactive question-and-answer session was held, during which children raised queries related to welfare schemes, facilities and support systems available to them. Officials addressed the queries and encouraged the children to seek guidance whenever needed.
The programme concluded with a reaffirmation of the Social Welfare Department’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and holistic development of every girl child, while continuing efforts to create a supportive and empowering environment for them.
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