Empowers Students through Workshop on POCSO Act

DATE Jan 22, 2024

In a collaborative initiative between the Shrimati Shanti Gupta Centre for Women’s Studies and the NSS Unit at MIER College of Education, a workshop was conducted on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for the NSS volunteers and members of the Gender Champions Club. The objective of the workshop was to disseminate crucial information about the POCSO Act, initiate discussions on prevention strategies, and empower students to play an active role in protecting children from potential harm. Ms.

Anjali Jain, member of Gender Champion Club, extended a warm welcome to the audience and Ms. Naman Mansotra, another Gender Champion, introduced the resource person, Ms. Saniya Mahajan, who is serving as an Assistant Manager at The Rakshin Project (Sakshi, an NGO) with an MOU with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Ms. Mahajan commenced the workshop with an ice-breaking activity, creating a comfortable and open environment for participants. She highlighted the significance of the POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, as a legal framework aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation in India. The session covered the definition of child sexual abuse, its various forms, prevalence, signs, and indicators. Practical aspects were addressed through relevant videos and activities. The workshop delved into the provisions of the POCSO Act, legal implications for offenders, reporting mechanisms, and responsibilities. Ms. Mahajan provided information on helplines, including the toll-free number 1098, and support organizations. An interactive session allowed students to clarify doubts and misconceptions. The workshop successfully achieved its objective of creating awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among students regarding child sexual abuse prevention.