Odisha to Host First Shakti Summit on Women’s Safety and Empowerment

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is set to host the first Shakti Summit – State WCD Leadership Conclave from September 1 to 3, bringing together senior women and child development officials from 25 states to deliberate on strengthening institutional mechanisms for women’s safety, protection and empowerment.

The three-day summit is being organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with the Government of Odisha. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida will lead the inaugural ceremony in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg and NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar.

The summit, themed “समन्वय | संवाद | संकल्प | समाधान”, will provide a platform for states to exchange experiences, identify implementation gaps and strengthen Centre-State coordination on issues concerning women and children.

Key discussions will cover implementation and monitoring of the POSH Act, strengthening One Stop Centres, victim compensation mechanisms and the role of Protection Officers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. The empowerment of State Women Commissions will also be discussed.

An important focus of the conclave will be sharing state-level best practices and developing stronger institutional responses. The deliberations are expected to culminate in the adoption of a Joint Action Plan.

5,000 women trained in self-defence

As part of the NCW’s collaboration with Odisha under Mission Shakti, 5,000 women have received self-defence training over the past six months across Khordha, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Balangir and Puri.

Of them, 300 women belonging to Self-Help Groups will participate in the ‘Shakti Show’ – Parade for Self Defence at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, on September 2. The event will showcase the skills, confidence and preparedness gained through the training programme.

The summit will also feature an Open Forum and Action Resolution focusing on standardising standard operating procedures and improving implementation of initiatives such as POSHAN Abhiyaan, Free Child Marriage Abhiyaan, breastfeeding rooms and crèches, besides mechanisms for addressing acid attacks.

The three-day conclave is expected to provide a common platform for states to strengthen coordination, share workable solutions and evolve a coordinated action framework for advancing women’s safety, protection and empowerment.