Bhubaneswar,4th Aug 2025: To accelerate the implementation of the Shaktishree programme, the Department of Higher Education has directed that every college and university in the state appoint a ‘Shaktishree Sanyojika’ (Women Coordinator). A woman faculty member will be selected for this role in each institution, with formal instructions already issued to college principals and university registrars.
These coordinators will work to strengthen the Shaktishree Empowerment Cells, ensuring their activities are more impactful. The institutions are to nominate a qualified and experienced woman faculty member as the Shaktishree Sanyojika. Ideal candidates should possess experience in gender equality, student welfare, women’s empowerment, and social protection, along with leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Preference will be given to individuals who maintain good relations with students, faculty, and staff.
The coordinators will conduct various awareness and skill development programmes, focusing especially on promoting gender sensitivity. They will regularly organize awareness drives among students and initiate various outreach activities.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Organizing training programmes, workshops, and seminars
- Conducting self-defense sessions, health awareness campaigns, and legal literacy programmes
- Promoting ethical and moral values among students
- Ensuring awareness and protection of students’ rights, especially female students
- Making the campus environment safer and more inclusive for women
- Facilitating access to legal aid and grievance redressal mechanisms
Additionally, each institution will also appoint ‘Shaktishree Sathi’ (student volunteers) to support the programme. Regular implementation of Shaktishree activities will be monitored, with timely submission of reports, success stories, and relevant documentation mandated.
The initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring a safer, more equitable, and empowered educational environment for women across Odisha’s higher education institutions.
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