Introduction

Raising awareness about women’s health, hygiene, and rights is vital for building a healthy and progressive society. In this direction, the Department of Social Security and Women & Child Development, Pathankot (DHEW), organized a special awareness camp at Anganwadi Center No. 2, Chak Dhariwal, Pathankot Block, on 15 September 2025.

The program was conducted under the Special Awareness Campaign initiated by the Government of India and guided by the District Social Security and Women & Child Development Department, Chandigarh (Punjab).

Leadership and Organization

The camp was organized under the leadership of District Programme Officer, Shri Manjinder Singh, with supervision from CDPO Shri Sanjeev Sharma.

It was coordinated by District Coordinator Ms. Poonam Slotra and SFL Sunita, with active cooperation from Anganwadi Supervisor Ms. Sunita Thakur.

In total, 24 participants, including nine Anganwadi workers from nearby villages, attended the camp.

Key Focus Areas of the Camp

The awareness session focused on multiple social and health issues, aiming to inform and empower women at the grassroots level.

1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
   • Participants were educated about the government’s flagship program, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which promotes the protection, education, and empowerment of the girl child.
2. Women’s Health and Hygiene
   • Dr. Ambika and Dr. Prikshit addressed adolescent girls and lactating mothers, guiding them on:
     • Importance of personal hygiene
     • Preventive measures during pandemics
     • Nutrition for mothers and children
     • Healthy lifestyle practices for long-term well-being
3. PCPNDT and MTP Acts
   • Dr. Shilpa Mahajan educated participants about the PCPNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act and the MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act, both designed to safeguard women’s rights and prevent female foeticide.

Community Participation

The active participation of local villagers and Anganwadi workers reflected the growing awareness among communities regarding:

• Gender equality
• Health safety measures
• Legal rights of women

The open discussion format allowed participants to ask questions and share personal challenges, ensuring practical understanding beyond theory.

Importance of Such Camps

• These awareness programs ensure that critical health and legal information reaches rural households.
• By engaging frontline workers like Anganwadi staff, the campaign builds a bridge between government schemes and rural communities.
• Topics such as nutrition, hygiene, pandemic preparedness, and women’s rights are crucial for empowering women and protecting future generations.