A one-day Legal cum Awareness outreach camp on Working Women Rights, Safety and Societal Evils was organized at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni in collaboration with the State Commission for Women. Dr Daisy Thakur, Chairperson of the State Commission for Women, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Dr Parvinder Kaushal, UHF Vice-Chancellor, Madhusudhan Sharma, Superintendent of Police Solan, Registrar Rajeev Kumar, Dr Sunita Chandel and Dr DD Sharma, members of the University’s Women Grievance Redressal Cell and other members of the commission participated in the programme. Addressing a packed hall comprising students, faculty and staff, Dr Daisy Thakur urged the women to educate oneself about the laws which have been enacted to safeguard their rights. She said that the main aim behind the outreach programme was to get in touch with the various members of the society particularly women to make them aware of their rights. She stressed on the need to junk gender stereotypes and gender discrimination. She was of the view that the parents should have similar discipline standards for girls and boys. Stressing on the important role of students in creating awareness about women and child rights, Dr Daisy said that the onus lies on youngsters to develop a better society as they can help to spread the message effectively.
Thanking the Women Commission for organizing the camp, Vice-Chancellor Dr Parvinder Kaushal said that such camps were essential for the holistic education of the students. He added that it was the responsibility of educational institutions to not only make students academically sound, but also responsible and dutiful citizens who know their rights and also take a lead in empowering others. Superintendent of Police Solan Madhusudhan Sharma shared the various helpline numbers and mobile phone applications of the state, which could be used by women to report any crimes against them. He exhorted everyone to report their genuine complaints with the police. He also spoke on the misuse of social media applications and how they could be prevented. Earlier, Anuj Sharma, law officer of the Women Commission apprised the gathering about the working of the Commission. He shared the issues which the Commission deals with regularly and asked the people to educate themselves about the various provisions which can help to safeguard their rights. Vijay Lamba, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee Solan shed light on the issue of Child Rights and Protection. In her address, she shared the various activities the Committee was undertaking to ensure the safety and the rehabilitation of the victims of child abuse.