Odisha Deputy CM Engages with Female Students

Synopsis
On March 2, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida interacted with women students at Rama Devi Women’s University, addressing pressing issues like empowerment, safety, and mental health, and emphasizing the importance of balancing career and family.
Key Takeaways
- Women empowerment is a continuous journey.
- Importance of mental health and practices like Yoga.
- Government commitment to women's safety.
- Focus on reinforcing the Vishaka Guidelines.
- Need for societal mindset change regarding women.
Bhubaneswar, March 2 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Pravati Parida, engaged in a direct dialogue with female students during a dedicated event at Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar.
During the discussions, Parida addressed several significant issues pertaining to women, such as women empowerment, sexual violence, the involvement of women in politics, mental health, gender discrimination, and women’s economic participation.
While conversing with the students, Parida asserted that the BJP government is focused on ensuring women's safety and will soon implement the Vishaka Guidelines across the state to enhance safety in workplaces.
She also mentioned that the state is committed to bolstering the Mahila courts.
Highlighting the value of mental health in today's fast-evolving society, the Deputy Chief Minister encouraged female students to engage in Yoga and Pranayam. Parida emphasized that empowering the younger generation through decision-making freedom and self-confidence in their abilities will further enhance women empowerment.
“Empowering women is not merely a slogan; it is an ongoing journey. A resilient mother nurtures a resilient daughter, and societal attitudes toward women must evolve. Women should balance both professional advancement and parenting. The government is dedicated to ensuring women’s safety, with plans to reinforce the Vishaka Guidelines and strengthen Mahila courts,” stated Parida.
The Deputy Chief Minister remarked that those who endure suffering are not victims; the real offenders are those who cause harm.
The Vishaka Guidelines were introduced by the Supreme Court of India in 1997 to combat sexual harassment in workplaces.
Interestingly, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently highlighted that there have been 30,943 reported incidents of violence against women in Odisha throughout 2024.