District Level Centre for Women (Mahila Shakti Kendra) Kishtwar in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) today organized a day long workshop to sensitize women and girls about their Legal Rights and to encourage legal access in the matters of crimes against the women, here at Conference Hall DC office complex.The Programme began with the welcome address by District Social Welfare Officer, Tariq Parveaz Qazi, who is also the Nodal officer of MSK. He highlighted objectives of the Mahila Shakti Kendra and said that it is meant to provide one stop convergent support to the local female. “These centres are considered as a Ray of Hope for the women in distress for providing all kind of assistances through a single window,” he added.
On the occasion, video clips highlighting the activities of MSK conducted throughout the year were also screened for the participants.Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Ashok Sharma, who is also the chairman District Mahila Shakti Kendra , and was the Chief Guest on the occasion, stressed on creating mass awareness about the legal rights of women. He further asked the MSK officials to percolate down the awareness about women centric Centrally Sponsored Schemes to grassroots level.The Deputy Commissioner further informed the participants that the district administration is soon going to activate the "One Stop Centre for Women" in the District which will provide integrated services like medical, legal, psychosocial support and temporary shelter under one roof to the women victims of domestic violence and other forms of crimes.While appreciating the efforts of MSK, he said that the motive behind organizing such events is to sensitize and enlighten women about their rights.
Secretary DLSA, Imran Hussain Wani also attended the function as Guest of Honour. He said the recent acid attack incidents in UT J&K reflect lack of proper gender sensitization and dearth of moral education. He said that DLSA is always available to the women in distress and the Authority is working for the welfare of the suffering women. He said DLSA is providing legal aid to many women on a daily basis.Meanwhile, District coordinator MSK Shanu Rana and Resource persons from DLSA Advocate Aruna Rani and Advocate Pooja Shan also enlightened the participants about various legal and constitutional rights.They explained the rights of women and schemes available for them in legal institutions besides throwing light on Legislation for Protection of Women against Domestic Violence; Violation of Women Rights and its Remedies; Welfare Schemes for Women, etc.Women Welfare Officer, MSK, Roohie Shamma threw light on Women Empowerment and emphasized that the women need to be confident in empowering themselves as they are the ones who shape the society.The workshop concluded with the vote of thanks presented by Nodal officer, MSK, Tariq Parveaz Qazi.Among others who attended the programme were TSWOs of SWD, officials of DCPU, CWC & JJB units of ICPS Kishtwar, Sarpanches, female media persons, cultural cell representative, lecturers, teachers, Angan Wari workers/helpers, ASHA workers, NCC and NSS volunteers.