Press Release
Press Release from DHEW, Pakyong District
Information & Public Relations Department
AWARENESS AND SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME ON THE PROHIBITION OF CHILD MARRIAGE ACT AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AT AHO SHANTI SECONDARY SCHOOL
Pakyong, July 21: The Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Pakyong District, through the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), organised an Awareness and Sensitization Programme on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and Menstrual Hygiene at Aho Shanti Secondary School, Pakyong. The programme aimed to educate students on the legal, social, and health aspects of child marriage and menstrual hygiene while promoting awareness on the rights and well-being of adolescent girls and children.
The programme was graced by the Principal of Aho Shanti Secondary School, who welcomed the initiative and appreciated the Department’s efforts in creating awareness among students on important social and health issues.
The programme commenced with an introductory address by Ms. Anjali Sharma, Social Welfare Inspector, who briefed the participants on the objectives and activities of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Pakyong. She highlighted the importance of community awareness, early intervention, and collective responsibility in ensuring the safety, protection, and empowerment of women and children.
The session was followed by an informative presentation by Mr. Kezang Tamang, Paramedical, Pakyong, who spoke extensively on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. He explained the causes and harmful consequences of child marriage, its impact on education, health, and the overall development of children. He also highlighted the social evils associated with the practice of dowry, the legal provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act, and the penalties for giving, taking, or demanding dowry. Further, he elaborated on the legal provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the penalties for offenders, and emphasised the vital role of parents, teachers, and the community in preventing child marriage, discouraging the practice of dowry, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and children.
Thereafter, Miss Sanjita Sharma, Accountant, DHEW, conducted an awareness session on menstrual hygiene, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper menstrual health and hygiene. She encouraged students to adopt safe hygienic practices, addressed common myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, and stressed the need to break the stigma associated with menstrual health through awareness, education, and open discussions.
To reinforce the key messages delivered during the programme, an interactive quiz competition was conducted for the students. The participants responded enthusiastically, demonstrating their understanding of the topics discussed. Prizes were distributed to the winners to encourage active participation and promote greater awareness of child protection laws and menstrual hygiene.
The interactive programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members, who actively engaged in discussions and raised queries during the question-and-answer session. Informational materials were also shared to further strengthen awareness on child protection and menstrual hygiene.
Pakyong, July 21: The Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Pakyong District, through the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), organised an Awareness and Sensitization Programme on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and Menstrual Hygiene at Aho Shanti Secondary School, Pakyong. The programme aimed to educate students on the legal, social, and health aspects of child marriage and menstrual hygiene while promoting awareness on the rights and well-being of adolescent girls and children.
The programme was graced by the Principal of Aho Shanti Secondary School, who welcomed the initiative and appreciated the Department’s efforts in creating awareness among students on important social and health issues.
The programme commenced with an introductory address by Ms. Anjali Sharma, Social Welfare Inspector, who briefed the participants on the objectives and activities of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Pakyong. She highlighted the importance of community awareness, early intervention, and collective responsibility in ensuring the safety, protection, and empowerment of women and children.
The session was followed by an informative presentation by Mr. Kezang Tamang, Paramedical, Pakyong, who spoke extensively on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. He explained the causes and harmful consequences of child marriage, its impact on education, health, and the overall development of children. He also highlighted the social evils associated with the practice of dowry, the legal provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act, and the penalties for giving, taking, or demanding dowry. Further, he elaborated on the legal provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the penalties for offenders, and emphasised the vital role of parents, teachers, and the community in preventing child marriage, discouraging the practice of dowry, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and children.
Thereafter, Miss Sanjita Sharma, Accountant, DHEW, conducted an awareness session on menstrual hygiene, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper menstrual health and hygiene. She encouraged students to adopt safe hygienic practices, addressed common myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, and stressed the need to break the stigma associated with menstrual health through awareness, education, and open discussions.
To reinforce the key messages delivered during the programme, an interactive quiz competition was conducted for the students. The participants responded enthusiastically, demonstrating their understanding of the topics discussed. Prizes were distributed to the winners to encourage active participation and promote greater awareness of child protection laws and menstrual hygiene.
The interactive programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members, who actively engaged in discussions and raised queries during the question-and-answer session. Informational materials were also shared to further strengthen awareness on child protection and menstrual hygiene.
