The District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Mission Shakti, Kupwara, in collaboration with the Zonal Education Office (ZEO), Mawer, organised an Awareness-cum-Distribution Programme at Government Secondary School, Shanoo Langate, Handwara, under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Initiative. The programme was organised in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) area with the objective of promoting awareness regarding girl child education, gender equality, empowerment of girls and equal opportunities, while extending educational and other support to deserving students.
The programme was graced by ZEO Mawer, Ms. Naseema, along with Mr. Mohd. Isaq Mir, Head Assistant, ZEO Office, and Mr. Javid Iqbal Mir, Zonal Cultural Coordinator. School staff, students and members of the DHEW Mission Shakti team also participated in the programme.
ZEO Mawer, Ms. Naseema, addressed the gathering and delivered an awareness speech highlighting the importance of educating and empowering the girl child. She encouraged students, parents and the community to ensure equal opportunities for girls in education and other spheres of life.
The District Mission Coordinator (DMC), DHEW Mission Shakti, also addressed the gathering and sensitised the students about the objectives of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Initiative, with particular emphasis on valuing the girl child, promoting her education, preventing gender-based discrimination and creating an enabling environment for girls to realise their full potential.
The students actively participated in the programme and presented cultural performances and speeches, showcasing their talent, confidence and enthusiasm. The activities also promoted creativity, self-expression, teamwork and positive social values among the students.
As part of the programme, a Kho-Kho match was organised among the girl students to promote physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, confidence and active participation of girls in sports. The match witnessed enthusiastic participation from the students. The winning team was felicitated with awards and certificates in recognition of their performance and sportsmanship.
In addition, free uniforms and caps were distributed among the girl students as part of the support extended during the programme. The initiative aimed to encourage regular school attendance, promote dignity and confidence among students and support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As part of the educational support component, 21 educational kits were distributed among deserving students belonging to BPL/ration-card categories and orphan children from the ST area, with the objective of providing educational assistance and encouraging them to continue their studies.
At the conclusion of the programme, the guests, school staff and beneficiaries appreciated the efforts of DHEW Mission Shakti, Kupwara, under the BBBP Initiative. They expressed their gratitude for organising the programme in the ST area and requested that similar awareness, educational, sports and support programmes be organised in the future for the benefit of children and other disadvantaged sections of the community.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to the message of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, emphasising the importance of girls’ education, dignity, safety, empowerment, physical well-being and equal participation in society.
