Objectification and sexual exploitation of women must stop, say HP College Girl students

Shimla, September 04, 2024: “Culture is our greatest strength,”* said Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil, at a one-day workshop at RKMV in Shimla, organised by the Women and Child Development Department as part of the 100-day special awareness campaign of Sankalp Women Empowerment Centre.

Dr. Shandil addressed the students and emphasized the importance of cultural values ​​along with academic degrees.

*“Culture is as important as getting a degree,”* he noted, emphasizing how values ​​can help one achieve one’s goals in life.

He also highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the government, such as raising the legal marriage age for girls from 18 to 21, making Himachal the first state to introduce such a provision.

The workshop was not just about speeches: it was buzzing with energy from students who took part in a speech competition on the theme of women’s safety in the 21st century.

Students passionately protested for an end to sexual exploitation and the objectification of women, demanding stricter enforcement of laws to ensure safety.

The event also featured interactive sessions where students interacted with experts on the new criminal laws and their implications, including the National Criminal Code (BNS), the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) and the Indian Evidence Act (BSA), which are meant to replace colonial-era laws.

The discussions also covered important topics such as POCSO, Child Marriage Act, POSH and cybercrime.

The school principal, Dr. Anurita Saxena, kicked off the programme and set the tone for an exciting day. A mix of cultural performances, skits and thought provoking discussions kept the mood lively.

The workshop concluded with the awards ceremony, where the winners of the speech competition were honored.

At the school level, Purnima Arya from Government Senior Secondary School, Sanjauli won the first prize, while Prachi Sharma from Government Senior Secondary School, Summerhill secured the second place.

At the university level, Nikita Dhiman from the Centre of Excellence College, Sanjauli won the first prize, while Parul from RKMV won the second prize.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ashish Singhmar, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Rupali Thakur, Director, Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Ultimately, the workshop was a powerful reminder of the importance of culture and the urgent need to protect women’s rights in today’s world.