Kargil, Sept 06: In a significant step towards enhancing women’s safety and addressing key social issues, the Special Cell for Women (SCW) in Kargil, Ladakh, held an impactful awareness program at Muthaharry Public School, Kurbathang, on September 6, 2024. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Women Police Station, aimed to educate students on cybercrime, gender-based violence, and overall women’s safety.
The program commenced with an introduction by the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Women Police Station, who provided an overview of the station’s role and responsibilities. She highlighted the critical aspects of cybercrime and the operations of the cyber cell, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the digital age.
Social workers from the Special Cell for Women, including Khadim Hussain and Hassina Batool, played pivotal roles in the session. Hussain conducted an engaging discussion on “Safe Touch and Unsafe Touch,” providing students with essential information on recognizing and preventing inappropriate interactions.
Hassina Batool presented a comprehensive talk on gender-based violence, covering various forms of domestic violence, the influence of patriarchy and masculinity, sexual harassment, and the broader issues related to women’s safety. Her presentation also touched upon the services provided by the Special Cell and the significant impact of violence on women’s health.
The session included visual aids to enhance understanding. Participants watched the UN video titled “Impossible Dream” on gender sensitization and a segment by Kamla Bashin addressing stalking, domestic violence, and the role of patriarchy in India. These videos served as powerful tools to illustrate the realities and challenges faced by women.
A question-and-answer segment followed the presentations, allowing students to engage directly with the experts and seek clarification on various topics discussed.
The awareness program aimed not only to educate the younger generation but also to foster a culture of respect and safety within the community. The collaboration between the Special Cell for Women and the Women Police Station underscores a proactive approach to addressing and mitigating issues related to gender-based violence and cyber threats.