Considering and analysing the present situation, SPARK organized a month-long ” Women and Community Empowerment Programme with special reference to Social Issues” being supported by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer East Khasi Hills District, Department of Social Welfare, Shillong.
The programme that started on the 3rd of March 2023 was concluded today will follow-up on issues pertaining to women and children. The programme was held at Pongkung Village, Mawlynrei Triashnong Village and Bara Bazaar.
The objectives of these Women and Community Empowerment Programmes were to address the rising numbers of cases concerning crime against women and children and to prevent them from falling victim to such crimes as well as to train the teachers, community leaders and youths on different issues pertaining to crime against women and children so that they can play the role of creating awareness among the community people on similar issues. The objective was also to build up a collaborative effort as well as coordination among the members of the community at different levels to address the issue concerned and make them aware of their role and responsibilities in preventing and combating crime against women and children.
The Chief Guest for the programme was Smt. N. Umdor, District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong. The other guests were Shri. Welding Kharsohnoh, Secretary Shnong, Mawlynrei Vilage, other Community Leaders, Resource Persons from North East Network, SPARK, Pongkung Women’s Groups and others. There were more than 200 participants who attended the said programme.
During the said programme, Ms. Shima Modak, President & Founder of SPARK gave an introductory note on the present scenario of the number of cases pertaining to Women and Children taking place within the community itself and urged the community leaders and Women to acknowledge and take the responsibility to address the same. She called upon the Women participants, community leaders, teachers, youths and members of children groups to play an active role and work in coordination with other Organizations and concerned departments to address the menace and turn their community and society as a whole a safe place for all to live in.
Smt. N. Umdor, District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong called upon the participants explaining them on all aspects concerning Crime against Women and Children. She also empowered the Community by providing detailed information about the various schemes available under the Social Welfare Department for welfare of Women and Children.
The other speakers spoke on Cyber Crime and do’s and don’ts to protect themselves from falling victim to such crime as well as on juveniles related issues and the importance of good parenting for the better future of the children besides stressing on the need of education for all.
The programme turned out to be a successful one with a month long follow-up on it for thorough training being provided to the Women’s Group and Children empowering them to report the cases and work towards its intervention in coordination with the concerned Organizations and Departments.