Day 6: Door to Door Campaigns on Critical Issues Affecting Women and Awareness Sessions on Women Centric Laws & Cervical Cancer

Chandigarh, October 14, 2024: Sixth day of ongoing Seven Day NSS Special Camp at Government Home Science College, Chandigarh was dedicated to Door to Door Campaigns by NSS Volunteers in generating awareness about critical issues affecting women in contemporary times, including access to healthcare, safety from violence, and economic empowerment along with interactive sessions on women centric laws and cervical cancer by eminent resource persons.

The entire day laid emphasis on promoting the health, safety and empowerment of women. Conscious steps were taken by NSS wing of the college to raise awareness through community participation at Bapu Dham Colony, Sector-26, Chandigarh and Dainik Bhaskar Colony, Sector-25, Chandigarh respectively so that every women feels safe and empowered. Interactive session on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013 and Prevention of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was conducted after door to door campaigns. The main objective was to educate NSS Volunteers about the Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of POSH Act as well as Prevention of Women from Domestic Violence Act.

Surender Kumar, Additional District & Sessions Judge cum Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority was the Resource Person. The session aimed to educate volunteers about their rights under the POSH Act, promote awareness about domestic violence, and provide practical tools for prevention and support. Kumar highlighted the audience about provisions, implementation, and significance of the POSH Act in safeguarding women in the workplace along with various insights related to preventing women from domestic violence.

In his concluding remarks, Sh. Surender emphasized that it is vital for fostering safe and respectful environments for women, both at work and at home hence understanding these issues and having a proper knowledge about these laws is the first step towards creating a supportive community for women.

In the second half of the day, an awareness session was organised on Cervical Cancer by Dr. Rimpi Sarin, an eminent Consultant Pathologist and Director of Chandigarh Cancer and Diagnostic Centre, Chandigarh. Dr. Sarin highlighted that cervical cancer is a significant health concern for women worldwide, yet it is highly preventable with early detection and vaccination. She further discussed about risk factors causing cervical cancer, symptoms, the importance of regular screenings, the role of the HPV vaccine, its effectiveness, and eligibility requirements along with lifestyle choices that can reduce risk. Dr. Sarin stressed upon the fact that raising awareness about cervical cancer is crucial for empowering women to take charge of their health.

Principal of the college, Prof. Sudha Katyal, highlighted that as an educational institution we play a major role towards the society. She stressed that such sessions promote a comprehensive understanding of women's health, integrating physical, legal, and social aspects. Overall, they foster informed communities that support women's health and rights. Prof. Katyal emphasised the role of NSS Volunteers in disseminating the knowledge which they gained through attending these sessions and encouraged them to make a difference. Together, we can create a future where women lead healthy, safe, and empowered lives.