Bhubaneswar, August 19: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development (W&CD) Pravati Parida on Wednesday graced State-level orientation programme on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 at the State Convention Centre, Bhubaneswar.

Sub-Collectors, Protection Officers, police officers, functionaries of One Stop Centres (OSCs) and Shakti Sadans, representatives of the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) and officials of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) from different parts of Odisha participated in the programme organised by the Department of Women & Child Development.

The programme focused on the legal provisions under the two Acts, the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, and mechanisms for coordinated action in cases of domestic violence and dowry-related offences.

Addressing the participants, Deputy Chief Minister Parida reiterated the State Government’s commitment towards ensuring the safety, dignity and empowerment of women and girls.

She emphasised that awareness of rights is essential for women to become empowered. Creating awareness about legal rights and available support mechanisms is crucial to enable women to raise their voices against violence, discrimination and dowry-related practices, said Parida.

Parida said that building a ‘Dowry-Free Odisha’ and ‘Domestic Violence-Free Homes’ is a key objective of the Government.

She emphasised that achieving this goal requires not only strong laws, but also their effective implementation, awareness at the grassroots level and coordinated efforts by all stakeholders.

The Deputy CM called upon the officials and frontline functionaries to ensure that women facing domestic violence or dowry-related harassment receive timely protection, legal assistance, counselling and other relevant support services.

She stressed the need for a responsive and coordinated support system so that women in distress can access assistance within the stipulated time and receive the protection and justice to which they are entitled.

Women & Child Development Secretary Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee and Additional Secretary Sumitra Pattnaik were among those present at the training programme.