Awareness workshop on Women Helpline 181 and women’s health in Gujarat

📅 January 10, 2016 • 📍 Gujarat

On January 10, 2016, 50 young women receiving vocational training from Dhunadra and Harkhol attended a one-day workshop in Gujarat. Miss Pradnya Thakar, the Women Helpline Officer from Nadiad District, conducted a session with her Vehicle 181, creating awareness about the Women Helpline 181 Abhiyan. She explained that the helpline can be used by any woman or man in any state to assist women in distress. She detailed the situations in which the helpline offers help or guidance, including physical, sexual, mental, or economic torture, workplace harassment, forced marriage, cyber crimes, and eve-teasing. She outlined the services provided: phone guidance, immediate rescue during torture, short- and long-term counseling, and access to government institutions like women's police stations, free legal aid, family counseling centers, protection officers, and Gujarat health services. Mrs. Kavita Zala from the District Police station Women Help Support Center explained how to help women register their cases, the legal support they provide, and the provision of shelter if necessary. The young women asked many questions to clarify their doubts. A demonstration of Vehicle 181 and its facilities was also given. PHC Head Doctor Amisha Patel spoke on women’s health and personal hygiene, covering common illnesses and personal cleanliness during menstruation and delivery. Following this, Sr. Elphina spoke about the child protection policy, emphasizing the need to protect their children and those in their neighborhood from sexual harassment. The participants appreciated the input and requested more such awareness programs.