BUDGAM: Social Welfare Department, Budgam, through SANKALP– Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW), Mission Shakti Budgam, organised a two-day awareness and training programme for teachers and members of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) on key issues relating to the safety, protection and dignity of women and children.
The programme focused on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, SHE-Box, Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act and Cyber Safety, with the objective of strengthening the knowledge and capacity of teachers and ICC members regarding legal provisions, preventive measures, reporting mechanisms and institutional responsibilities.
During the programme, District Mission Coordinator (DMC), SANKALP-HEW, Afroza Ahad, highlighted the objectives of Mission Shakti and emphasised the crucial role of educational institutions and their designated committees in creating safe, inclusive and gender-sensitive environments. She stressed the importance of timely awareness, responsible reporting and effective institutional response to incidents affecting the safety and dignity of women and children.
Gender Specialist, Asifa Manzoor, conducted sessions on gender-related issues, POSH Act and SHE-Box, sensitising the participants about prevention of sexual harassment at the workplace, functioning and responsibilities of Internal Complaints Committees, and the available mechanisms for reporting and redressal of complaints through SHE-Box.
Superintendent, Shakti Sadan, Nelofar Nazir, addressed the participants on issues concerning the protection and support of women and children, with emphasis on timely intervention, referral services, institutional coordination and the importance of a supportive environment for survivors.
The session on the POCSO Act focused on child protection, identification of potential risks, child-sensitive handling of concerns and the responsibilities of teachers and institutions in responding to cases of sexual offences against children.
A dedicated session on Cyber Safety, sensitised the participants about online risks, cyber harassment, protection of personal information, responsible use of social media, cyber fraud and other emerging digital threats. Teachers were encouraged to play an active role in guiding students towards safe and responsible digital practices.
The two-day programme provided an interactive platform for teachers and ICC members to enhance their understanding of relevant legislation and institutional mechanisms, while also facilitating discussion on practical challenges related to prevention, reporting and response.


